Personal Worship (Page 33)
For the week of May 24
View Previous Weeks Welcome to Week 21 of Desiring the Kingdom and 2 Kings 4, a chapter in which we read about five miracles performed by God through his prophet Elisha. (Five days, five miracles? It’s like this chapter was tailor-made for study notes!) The complete arc of the five miracles (Creation, Birth, Resurrection, Cleansing, and Provision) is a road map to God’s…
Prepare for Worship (weekend of May 21)
Hey Church! I may have shared the song “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” with you once before, but since it ties in especially well with the theme of this week’s message, I thought it was worth sharing again. First, take a few minutes to read the following two passages of Scripture. Then watch the video below to hear the song, as well as the story behind…
For the week of May 17
View Previous Weeks Welcome to Week 20 of Desiring the Kingdom and 2 Kings 3. This chapter covers another of Israel’s battles with a neighboring kingdom, last time it was Syria and this time it’s Moab. The cast of characters has changed a bit, too. Ahab and Ahaziah have both died and Ahab’s son Jehoram (Ahaziah’s younger brother) has taken over as king of Israel.…
Prepare for Worship (weekend of May 14)
Hey Church! During personal worship this week, when we read about Elijah being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire, my mental song index reminded me of Shane & Shane’s song “Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts).” Granted, the fiery chariots referenced in the psalm carry a different connotation (warfare; not a tricked-out escort to heaven), but the song made…
For the week of May 10
View Previous Weeks Welcome to Week Nineteen of Desiring the Kingdom and 2 Kings chapter 2. This is the story of Elijah’s final day on the earth. Elijah was old by this time and it is plainly evident the Lord had told Elijah what was going to happen. In fact, it appears that everyone in this story knew what was about to happen. We’ve got plenty to think about, so…
Prepare for Worship (weekend of May 7)
Hey Church! The Westminster Shorter Catechism (WSC) is a brilliantly composed document that I would encourage you all to read often. The question-answer format makes it easier to memorize and breaks down all the theological categories into small, manageable pieces. You can read the WSC online for free here:…
For the week of May 3
View Previous Weeks Welcome to Week Eighteen of Desiring the Kingdom and to both the end of 1st Kings and the beginning of 2nd Kings. That’s a lot of Bible real estate, so we’re going to tackle things in a survey mode this week. If there are details in the story that you’re curious about, send an email to outofwater@riovistachurch.com and ask Pastor Sam to address your…
Prepare for Worship (weekend of April 30)
Hey Church! In preparation for worship this weekend, I want to encourage you to carve out a little time for prayer on Saturday night. I’ve quoted a prayer from A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie* below. Work through it thoughtfully and give thanks to the Lord for His abundant love and provision before lying down to sleep. O EVERLASTING God, let the light of…
For the week of April 26
View Previous Weeks Welcome to Week Seventeen of Desiring the Kingdom, 1 Kings chapter 21, and the story of Naboth and his vineyard. This week’s chapter is bookended by elements that any reasonable observer would label unfair. What happens to Naboth certainly isn’t fair and you will likely find (spoiler alert!) the Lord’s decision to spare Ahab from immediate punishment…
Prepare for Worship (weekend of April 23)
Hey Church! We have a new song to sing this Sunday! It’s called “Good Grace” by Hillsong United and I think you’re going to love it! Click on the link to watch Hillsong United perform it live. The lyrics are pasted below for your reference. Good Grace Verse 1People come togetherStrange as neighbours our blood is oneChildren of generationsOf every…