Here are 2 movies that I won't miss

I am not one who refuses to go to any movie unless it has "Christian Values". I believe it's important to engage with the culture and hear what it is saying; to affirm when it is on target and to challenge its assertions when it disagrees with or denigrates the values I hold. But I have to admit, I love it when positive stuff makes it to the big screen.

The phenomena of "The Passion" made people recognize "Passion dollars" - the money that is in the pockets of those with conservative values, that are waiting to be spent when we are offered entertainment that inspires and honors our values. And this fall will see the release of "One night with the King", a re-telling of the story of Esther, and "The Nativity Story" as well. I plan to see both, and to encourage others to also see these films.

A Reading: NAME and FORTRESS

The reading that follows was assembled to go between two feature songs this week: the first is "Your Name" by Paul Baloche and Glen Pakiam - a great new song from Paul's new release, "A Greater Song" - a recording chock full of content-laden lyrics:

As morning dawns and evening fades,
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your Name.

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower,
Your Name is a shelter like no other,
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder,
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name.

The Lyrics and Charts are on Paul's website, but not an mp3 - but there is a chance to listen to "What can I do?", another fine selection from "A Greater Song".

The song to follow the reading is "A Mighty Fortress is our God".

LEADER Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

ALL He has paid a full ransom for his people.He has guaranteed his covenant forever.What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

LEADER The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me;I will protect those who trust in my name”.

ALL Those who know your name trust in you,for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

LEADER Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures:‘The stone that you builders rejectedhas now become the cornerstone.

ALL We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidenceas we hold to the hope that lies before us –a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.

LEADER God is our refuge and strength,always ready to help in times of trouble.

ALL The Lord of Heaven is here among us; God is our fortress.

From Psalm 34:3, 111:9, 91:14, 9:10, Acts 4:9-11, Hebrews 6:18-19, Psalm 46:1, 11 (NLT)

More good coverage of Miles

My ordaining body, The Evangelical Covenant Church, has published a news story on its website about Miles' life with Diabetes and our Smiles for Miles fundraiser last week.

We've just passed the halfway point

...in an awesome series on the Lord's Prayer, entitled "Looking Up". I've written a drama for each of the seven weeks, in which an actor enters an office and has a conversation with their Father - who is not there - for it represents speaking to the Heavenly Father. Each section of the Prayer is covered:

The Father's Character: Our Father ... Hallowed be Thy Name...
The Father's Kingdom: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be Done...
The Father's Provision: Give us this day our daily bread...
The Father's Forgiveness: Forgive us our sins as we...
The Father's Guidance: Lead us not into temptation...
The Father's Protection: Deliver us from Evil...

The final week focuses on the Father's family, who together bring Him their praises: the first word of the prayer, "Our", calling attention that it is as a community of believers that we are invited to pray...

Last Sunday we had a powerful service focusing on Forgiveness. In this drama, the young woman (portrayed by ElenaClaire) did not enter the Father's office - she was estranged because of her disobedience and by the harm done by others and was unable to receive or to extend forgiveness. It created a very tender moment for Doyle to teach.

We also read responsively an expanded version of the Lord's Prayer, which I adapted from Max Lucado as found in The Great House of God. (pdf format file)

At the conclusion of the service the choir presented a Celebration of Forgiveness - three songs concluding with "This is how it feels to be free", with lead vocals by Raymond Foster, who is the best male vocalist in the church - there was a strong recognition of the wonderful experience of being forgiven. Powerful experience of worship.