Feb 01, 2012
Hallowed Be Your Name
Posted by Michael Howarth in Prayer - Worship | Comments (0)
There is a deep and transforming power when you begin prayer with praise. Praise has to do with adoration, respect, honor and priority. The Lord’s Prayer begins this way, saying, “Our Father, who is in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done…” It begins this way for a reason. It puts God and His glory first, at the center of our focus. In speaking specifically about our worrying for needs like food, clothing and other basic provisions, Jesus says in Matthew, chapter six, “But seek first the Kingdom ofRead More...
Jan 28, 2012
Managing God’s Joy
Posted by Michael Howarth in Gospel Living - Worship | Comments (0)
The Bible as a whole, the New Testament in general and Jesus in particular, have a ton to say on how we handle our time, our money, our possessions and our relationships. God is the one who created all things, sustains all things and is the owner of all things: that tree, that car, that spouse, that child, that awesome pair of jeans, those planets, that ocean, that cute kitten and that wonderful morning cup of coffee. He owns it all. We are privileged to enjoy them, and it reveals God’s immeasurable grace and kindness that He wouldRead More...
Jan 25, 2012
The Breathing Church
Posted by Michael Howarth in Gospel Living | Comments (0)
Months ago, I began to wrestle with the idea of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and what it means to make disciples for Him. What's necessary? Sure, discipleship requires "everything," but I have a job and I'm in school and I got this thing and I stayed up late last night and you know, life happens. Can you be a disciple and attend church gatherings once and a while? Can you follow Jesus and just kind of learn at your own pace? What is it that we do exactly? The following are three essentialRead More...
Jan 21, 2012
The Engine of Spiritual Growth
Posted by Michael Howarth in Gospel Living | Comments (0)
To repent is to turn from and intentionally forsake the disobedience in your life that is dishonoring to God; to turn from those things that God says are destructive to your life; to endeavor by Christ's strength to obey His commands. Repentance is both a single act of spiritual aggression towards a particular sin, and a gradual, lifelong reprogramming of your heart towards God. Repentance is the engine of spiritual transformation. It is something we practice; however, it is first a gift that is granted to us by God. It is His kindness that leads us to turn fromRead More...
