It was Easter Sunday morning in Feldkirch, Austria. Napoleon’s massive army was preparing to attack the strategic town. Soldiers had been spotted on the heights above the little town, which was situated on the Austrian border. A council of citizens was hastily summoned to decide whether they should try  to defend themselves or display the white flag of surrender.

The townspeople had gathered in the local church for the Easter service. The pastor rose and said, “Friends, we have been counting on our own strength, and apparently that has failed. As this is the day of our Lord’s resurrection, let us just ring the bells, have our services as usual, and leave the matter in His hands. We know only our weakness, and not the power of God to defend us.”

The council accepted his plan and the church bells rang. The enemy, hearing the sudden peal, concluded that the Austrian army had arrived during the night to defend the town. Before the service ended, the enemy broke camp and left.

The lesson in this historical account is that when we praise the Lord he confounds our enemy. Let’s keep the praise coming; it may be our salvation!

Tags: Easter, Napoleon, trust, worship

During the early days of Operation Desert Storm, US Marine Corporal Robert Banner got separated from his platoon. Alone, he wandered in the desert for 48 hours hiding from the enemy, evading Iraqi scouts, and hiding under the sand in evasive maneuvers.

He was found by allied forces who happened to have reporters with them. He was recounting his story to the reporters who noticed he was gulping down water. A reporter commented, “You sure are thirsty!”, to which Cpl. Banner replied, “You know what, I was so busy running, I forgot I was thirsty.”

Is it possible we can get so wrapped up in doing “church” that we forget to thirst after God? Think about how thirsty you really are.

Tags: Desert Storm, thirst, worship

Last Sunday night we had our first Healing Service. It was a great night and we have two confirmed healings already. If you can confirm a healing in your life, please comment to this blog so we can all be encouraged in our faith.

When Jesus traveled around, he had a reputation for healing people. He didn’t stay in any one place very long, so no one got close to Him unless they uprooted their lives and followed Him on His wanderings. But, those who did leave home and job learned much by observing His interactions with troubled people. And his entourage grew as He journeyed.

It seems a part of the course that if we want to get close to Jesus, we have to leave something worldly behind. What is it that He’s asking you to surrender in exchange for getting closer to Jesus?

Tags: surrender, worship

Last Sunday I was chatting with one of our senior members before church.  He was telling me how much he appreciated me.  “You’re the only reason I come to this church,” he said.  I replied that he had a lot of friends here, as well, and then he agreed.  “But, I can’t stand the new worship!  I’m from the old school,” he said, “and I don’t like this  music today.”

I’d heard that before, so I carefully smiled and replied, “But these young folks wouldn’t come if we didn’t have it.”  He quickly responded, “I know it, and I’m with you!  I’m with you all the way.”

You have to have respect for an old timer who can speak his mind, and yet recognize that we’re not living in the past.  To reach the next generation takes new methods.  Let’s learn lessons from this senior citizen.

Tags: music, senior citizen, supportive, worship