SUNDAY PLAYLISTS
Every week, on this page, you will be able to find a PLAYLIST OF SONGS for your week, corresponding with Dr. Powers' sermon, and what we will be singing in worship on Sundays! Click the links now to listen and reflect throughout your week, as we dive into faith and the ups and downs of life with God through different genres of music, and the stories of authenticity they tell.
In your own worship throughout the rhythms of your week, listen & enjoy!
In your own worship throughout the rhythms of your week, listen & enjoy!
September 13th: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Take a breath. Deep breath in for a count of 4, hold for a nice slow count of 4, and then let it out, slowly and consistently, for a count of 4.
Do it again, nice and slow. Do it a couple times. Breathe. Just be here now. It is enough.
My choir director in college used to have us do that at the start of rehearsals, and it took up a good chunk of time at the beginning of what felt like crucial rehearsal time, so that we could learn how important it is to connect with our bodies before preparing for a huge concert. In the work we were about to do, we paused to engage most importantly the tools we needed to do our very best singing-- breathing into our muscles and lungs, low and deep, and slowly, and grounding ourselves in where we were, all that came before, and all there is to come. To do our best work, we can breathe, ground ourselves in what we need to keep going, and celebrate that we've made it to where we are. In the midst of a busy work week, just getting here is no small thing. Settle into your body, feel the weight of your body on the floor or whatever you may be standing/sitting on, and just be for a moment.
...
Now, here are our sermonic Scripture passage for this week, from 1 Corinthians 7:17-24:
"17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them."
Whatever place you find yourself in this week, whatever work there is to complete, whatever God has called you to be, do it to the fullest. You can breathe, here, knowing that you are not alone in the work you are doing. You were called for such a time and place as this, as Esther 4:14b says, "14 ...Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” (NRSV). Perhaps you are exactly where you are right now, doing your thing, in the position you have achieved by working hard and getting through all you have gone through, for a time such as this--- a time God has called you to. God will use your work for good, and work alongside you in building the kingdom. We all are invited to reply to God's call to do all we are doing to the glory of God, that it may be said of us by all onlookers and all affected that the cross is our glory, the Lord our song, as the song "Let It Be Said of Us" says.
Give that song a listen this week, in preparation for Sunday, and listen closely to the rich text! But most importantly, remember to breathe, and lean into the knowledge that your work is not for nothing, your labor is not in vain. God establishes the work of our hands, as we who have said "yes" to following Jesus in all we do have been blessed, and have the King of Kings with us, in all things.
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
Do it again, nice and slow. Do it a couple times. Breathe. Just be here now. It is enough.
My choir director in college used to have us do that at the start of rehearsals, and it took up a good chunk of time at the beginning of what felt like crucial rehearsal time, so that we could learn how important it is to connect with our bodies before preparing for a huge concert. In the work we were about to do, we paused to engage most importantly the tools we needed to do our very best singing-- breathing into our muscles and lungs, low and deep, and slowly, and grounding ourselves in where we were, all that came before, and all there is to come. To do our best work, we can breathe, ground ourselves in what we need to keep going, and celebrate that we've made it to where we are. In the midst of a busy work week, just getting here is no small thing. Settle into your body, feel the weight of your body on the floor or whatever you may be standing/sitting on, and just be for a moment.
...
Now, here are our sermonic Scripture passage for this week, from 1 Corinthians 7:17-24:
"17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them."
Whatever place you find yourself in this week, whatever work there is to complete, whatever God has called you to be, do it to the fullest. You can breathe, here, knowing that you are not alone in the work you are doing. You were called for such a time and place as this, as Esther 4:14b says, "14 ...Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” (NRSV). Perhaps you are exactly where you are right now, doing your thing, in the position you have achieved by working hard and getting through all you have gone through, for a time such as this--- a time God has called you to. God will use your work for good, and work alongside you in building the kingdom. We all are invited to reply to God's call to do all we are doing to the glory of God, that it may be said of us by all onlookers and all affected that the cross is our glory, the Lord our song, as the song "Let It Be Said of Us" says.
Give that song a listen this week, in preparation for Sunday, and listen closely to the rich text! But most importantly, remember to breathe, and lean into the knowledge that your work is not for nothing, your labor is not in vain. God establishes the work of our hands, as we who have said "yes" to following Jesus in all we do have been blessed, and have the King of Kings with us, in all things.
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
September 6th: Genesis 2:15 & Colossians 3:23-24
The work we do Monday-Saturday, all other days of the week, is a God-given part of our lives. It is one that we try and do well as an extension of our worship, as God is with us past just Sundays. Reflect for a moment on these two passages from the Old and New Testaments:
"15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
--- Genesis 2:15
"23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving." --- Colossians 3:23-24
These passages highlight how God places us where we are, in our every day, to do all we have to do with energy and grace, "with all our hearts," as verse 23 of the Colossians passage says. For in all that we do, we serve Christ. When we say "yes" to following Jesus, the Spirit transforms our lives, and we are called to live beyond Sundays into the ways of Jesus, seeking to live for and serve His kingdom. Living into the ways of Jesus pervades every part of our lives, even the ones we might want to keep separate, or to ourselves. Jesus calls us, even there, to take up crosses and follow Him, into a kingdom where all are called beloved, and created good. In our work, we are called to care for one another, building up one another in love, as Jesus would.
Your work is important. Whether "big" or "small," whether you're doing your absolute lifelong dream job, or doing what you need to get by and provide for your family, or all of the above, whether you're doing work that serves others directly or keeps everything afloat, all members of the body are needed for it to function. No member can say to another, "I have no need of you," as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12. In your place of literal work, or the season of laboring or working through something that you might find yourself in, God is there in it, transforming, working for your good. God can transform the world and your community through what you do, providing, loving, embracing, including, getting people what they need...and getting you the resources you need to be okay.
As you go about your week, you're invited to look for a glimpse of God, in an unexpected place. Where have you seen God this week, in your every day ordinary, outside of a Sunday? Write it down, talk about it with a friend, remember it, and hold it with you.
You are enough, and you're doing a great job. Your labor is not in vain--- for the Spirit of our Incarnate, Creator, Triune God is with you, always.
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
"15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
--- Genesis 2:15
"23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving." --- Colossians 3:23-24
These passages highlight how God places us where we are, in our every day, to do all we have to do with energy and grace, "with all our hearts," as verse 23 of the Colossians passage says. For in all that we do, we serve Christ. When we say "yes" to following Jesus, the Spirit transforms our lives, and we are called to live beyond Sundays into the ways of Jesus, seeking to live for and serve His kingdom. Living into the ways of Jesus pervades every part of our lives, even the ones we might want to keep separate, or to ourselves. Jesus calls us, even there, to take up crosses and follow Him, into a kingdom where all are called beloved, and created good. In our work, we are called to care for one another, building up one another in love, as Jesus would.
Your work is important. Whether "big" or "small," whether you're doing your absolute lifelong dream job, or doing what you need to get by and provide for your family, or all of the above, whether you're doing work that serves others directly or keeps everything afloat, all members of the body are needed for it to function. No member can say to another, "I have no need of you," as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12. In your place of literal work, or the season of laboring or working through something that you might find yourself in, God is there in it, transforming, working for your good. God can transform the world and your community through what you do, providing, loving, embracing, including, getting people what they need...and getting you the resources you need to be okay.
As you go about your week, you're invited to look for a glimpse of God, in an unexpected place. Where have you seen God this week, in your every day ordinary, outside of a Sunday? Write it down, talk about it with a friend, remember it, and hold it with you.
You are enough, and you're doing a great job. Your labor is not in vain--- for the Spirit of our Incarnate, Creator, Triune God is with you, always.
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
August 30th: Matthew 16:24-28
This week's Scripture passage invites us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus. Read now the Word of the Lord from Matthew 16:24-28:
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
28 Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Remember in last week's Scripture passage, how once the disciples discovered who Jesus was--- Peter calling Jesus "the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Messiah"--- Jesus linked His identity to the inevitability of suffering? Jesus recognizes their desire to be His disciples, so he lets them know--- we must too face difficult things. We are called to deny ourselves--- the things that make it easier for us to go about life--- and take up the same path Jesus told the disciples that the Son of Man must take: the path of the cross. We are to take up our own crosses, and follow him, even into death. We die to self when we are baptized, after saying yes to following Jesus, and are raised to new life, to share Jesus' way of thinking, God's way of loving the whole world. We get strength from the Spirit, then, to go into the world doing God's will.
But this new life of living like Jesus begins with a loss of some kind. We leave behind the means we tend to cling to to provide for ourselves, measures we resort to when we don't fully trust that God our Shepherd will supply our needs.
Jesus' unique type of death, on a cross, was an act of humility, of compassion. Jesus chose a human body, coming to earth as a helpless baby with no strength or power, a life in poverty and rebelling against the government, and a death where all power was stripped from him, all in the name of love, and so He could walk alongside His people, in all the difficulties they go through on earth. Jesus willingly took on the pain and discomfort of having a human body, sadness in grieving his friends' deaths and feeling pity for those suffering, systemic oppression at the hands of the Romans, and constant bombardment of religious leaders and rulers of the roost, who proclaimed to be doing the right thing and following God, but refused to change their ways, to live into the kind of radical compassion Jesus was asking for. But He kept asking for it, preaching it, and practicing it with all those He met, with the power He did have. He healed the sick, brought the divided together at one table, taught, and poured out His own life for others. God laid aside all power, to grant love and justice to everyone.
This is the cross we are called to pick up. And it's a big and heavy one. We can't always fix everything, in our day to day. The work of the Spirit changing the world to look more like the kingdom of God happens slowly, and that's frustrating at times. We want all to experience love, healing, peace, togetherness--- the kinds of things that we experience belonging to the Body of Christ. These are gifts. In the ways we can, we're called to invite others into that--- to pick up their crosses, too, the burden of learning how to love all people, in radical ways, that may cause us difficulty, but we choose it anyway. Love never fails.
With the hope of seeing the day Christ comes into His Kingdom, let us continue bearing the crosses we already carry day by day, and seek more ways to keep living like Jesus, saying "no" to the things that keep us comfortable, in order to do that loving part better. Listen to the playlist, and keep this verse near your heart. The very presence of God is near with you on this road, as near as your next breath. Your community in Christ is right alongside you. As we carry our crosses, we look to the One who goes ahead of us, carrying the cross for the whole world, and know we are not alone.
John 15:13 says, "13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
28 Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Remember in last week's Scripture passage, how once the disciples discovered who Jesus was--- Peter calling Jesus "the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Messiah"--- Jesus linked His identity to the inevitability of suffering? Jesus recognizes their desire to be His disciples, so he lets them know--- we must too face difficult things. We are called to deny ourselves--- the things that make it easier for us to go about life--- and take up the same path Jesus told the disciples that the Son of Man must take: the path of the cross. We are to take up our own crosses, and follow him, even into death. We die to self when we are baptized, after saying yes to following Jesus, and are raised to new life, to share Jesus' way of thinking, God's way of loving the whole world. We get strength from the Spirit, then, to go into the world doing God's will.
But this new life of living like Jesus begins with a loss of some kind. We leave behind the means we tend to cling to to provide for ourselves, measures we resort to when we don't fully trust that God our Shepherd will supply our needs.
Jesus' unique type of death, on a cross, was an act of humility, of compassion. Jesus chose a human body, coming to earth as a helpless baby with no strength or power, a life in poverty and rebelling against the government, and a death where all power was stripped from him, all in the name of love, and so He could walk alongside His people, in all the difficulties they go through on earth. Jesus willingly took on the pain and discomfort of having a human body, sadness in grieving his friends' deaths and feeling pity for those suffering, systemic oppression at the hands of the Romans, and constant bombardment of religious leaders and rulers of the roost, who proclaimed to be doing the right thing and following God, but refused to change their ways, to live into the kind of radical compassion Jesus was asking for. But He kept asking for it, preaching it, and practicing it with all those He met, with the power He did have. He healed the sick, brought the divided together at one table, taught, and poured out His own life for others. God laid aside all power, to grant love and justice to everyone.
This is the cross we are called to pick up. And it's a big and heavy one. We can't always fix everything, in our day to day. The work of the Spirit changing the world to look more like the kingdom of God happens slowly, and that's frustrating at times. We want all to experience love, healing, peace, togetherness--- the kinds of things that we experience belonging to the Body of Christ. These are gifts. In the ways we can, we're called to invite others into that--- to pick up their crosses, too, the burden of learning how to love all people, in radical ways, that may cause us difficulty, but we choose it anyway. Love never fails.
With the hope of seeing the day Christ comes into His Kingdom, let us continue bearing the crosses we already carry day by day, and seek more ways to keep living like Jesus, saying "no" to the things that keep us comfortable, in order to do that loving part better. Listen to the playlist, and keep this verse near your heart. The very presence of God is near with you on this road, as near as your next breath. Your community in Christ is right alongside you. As we carry our crosses, we look to the One who goes ahead of us, carrying the cross for the whole world, and know we are not alone.
John 15:13 says, "13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
August 23rd: Matthew 16:13-23
This week's Scripture passage comes from Matthew 16:13-23. Spend some time in an unhurried fashion reading through this passage, listening for what God might be telling you in it.
"13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
From the very beginning, Jesus' identity, and who we understand him to be, as God, as the Messiah, is directly linked to the inevitability of suffering, we learn here. After Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus rewards him for recognizing this, and even though Peter messes up later and misunderstands what Jesus is there to do, Jesus says his church will be built on Peter. The responsibility of the kingdom of God is given to people, even though we tend to misunderstand who God is, what Jesus came to do, and the workings of the Spirit sometimes.
Our responsibility is to keep listening for God, and abiding by the ways of Jesus, to guide everything we do and say, because God is continuing to speak to us. What Jesus came to do is often confusing, as we see in Scripture, when the disciples describe the many different ways the people try to explain Jesus by calling him John, Elijah, Jeremiah...thinking he must be some sort of waymaker, holy man called by God, or a prophet...but Jesus is the real deal. The declared recognition that Jesus is the Messiah is something precious, when we see Jesus and say yes to participating in Jesus' work in the world.
Peter misunderstood later on, as Peter does, as we tend to do, that the Son of Man must die. But that's okay. It's okay to misunderstand, it's going to happen. Our job is to keep listening, and realize how sometimes if we aren't careful, the expectations we put on Jesus might look a bit too much like the "human concerns" Jesus talks about in verse 23 (seeking greatness, prosperity over others, military defeat, victory in anger, etc), rather than "the concerns of God" (kingdom living, the mighty brought low, the lowly lifted up, resources shared, love of God and neighbor, etc).
Listening to these playlists and thinking about these words is just one way you can try to keep listening for what Jesus is saying. Reading your Bible, even reading the same passages of Scripture again and again that you've read before, is another way to keep listening for Jesus. You may find you hear things differently the 20th time than you heard them the 19th, and it might lead you to new conclusions.
For this week, keep listening, and think about your answer to Jesus' question--- "Who do you say I am?"
Blessings & peace,
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
"13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
From the very beginning, Jesus' identity, and who we understand him to be, as God, as the Messiah, is directly linked to the inevitability of suffering, we learn here. After Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus rewards him for recognizing this, and even though Peter messes up later and misunderstands what Jesus is there to do, Jesus says his church will be built on Peter. The responsibility of the kingdom of God is given to people, even though we tend to misunderstand who God is, what Jesus came to do, and the workings of the Spirit sometimes.
Our responsibility is to keep listening for God, and abiding by the ways of Jesus, to guide everything we do and say, because God is continuing to speak to us. What Jesus came to do is often confusing, as we see in Scripture, when the disciples describe the many different ways the people try to explain Jesus by calling him John, Elijah, Jeremiah...thinking he must be some sort of waymaker, holy man called by God, or a prophet...but Jesus is the real deal. The declared recognition that Jesus is the Messiah is something precious, when we see Jesus and say yes to participating in Jesus' work in the world.
Peter misunderstood later on, as Peter does, as we tend to do, that the Son of Man must die. But that's okay. It's okay to misunderstand, it's going to happen. Our job is to keep listening, and realize how sometimes if we aren't careful, the expectations we put on Jesus might look a bit too much like the "human concerns" Jesus talks about in verse 23 (seeking greatness, prosperity over others, military defeat, victory in anger, etc), rather than "the concerns of God" (kingdom living, the mighty brought low, the lowly lifted up, resources shared, love of God and neighbor, etc).
Listening to these playlists and thinking about these words is just one way you can try to keep listening for what Jesus is saying. Reading your Bible, even reading the same passages of Scripture again and again that you've read before, is another way to keep listening for Jesus. You may find you hear things differently the 20th time than you heard them the 19th, and it might lead you to new conclusions.
For this week, keep listening, and think about your answer to Jesus' question--- "Who do you say I am?"
Blessings & peace,
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
August 16th: Psalm 133
In honor of Deacon Ordination Sunday, this week's Scripture passage is PSALM 133 (one of my favorites!). It's short and sweet, and easy to remember:
"1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore."
Read this passage 3 times, as you meditate this week:
1. The first time you read it, just take everything in.
2. The second time you read it, ask yourself:
What key words or phrases stick out to you?
Why do you these speak to you?
3. The third time you read it, ask yourself:
What do you think God's message is to us, in this passage?
This is the practice of Lectio Divina, a way of looking at Scripture where we acknowledge God continually working & speaking in us. God's Spirit is working and moving in you. God's Spirit is working in the deacons, who have agreed to serve and love the church, and we acknowledge that as something holy. We acknowledge the presence of God with them, like the Spirit as a dove on Jesus, or coming on God's people like tongues of fire.
One of my favorite things about this passage is that first line, which leans into the sheer goodness and joy that comes from God's people living in unity together, bound together, as one. Not seeking to tear one another down, not seeking to bring harm, but rather sharing everything they have, including the love and compassion for one another that they have learned from God.
This passage calls the love of one another in a united community something that is HOLY. There's something about this united community described here, where the very presence of the Lord is there among them. It's holy, like precious oil poured out all over someone, namely Aaron, who was a very important priest. God's united community is as holy as the most precious oil in the holiest of holies poured out all over him, not saved, not kept aside or hidden away, but poured out as an honoring gift, on those God has appointed to be priests, to do God's work in the world. Much like us.
It's like the dew on Hermon (a place near and close to us here on earth) falling on Mount Zion (being close to God). Heaven is brought near, and God blesses us. It's a big deal for a blessing to come from God in this way, but God pours love out to us in this way--- sending Jesus, to teach us love. Sending the Spirit, to unite us as a church.
As you go about your week, listen to this playlist, remembering that the Spirit of God is with you, and is in every act of love you give and receive. As we celebrate Sunday the deacons' willingness to give God's love to the congregation, remember this Scripture passage, and how it's a holy and beautiful thing to be united in love like this.
God's blessings to you.
~ Rev. Mackenzie Smith
"1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore."
Read this passage 3 times, as you meditate this week:
1. The first time you read it, just take everything in.
2. The second time you read it, ask yourself:
What key words or phrases stick out to you?
Why do you these speak to you?
3. The third time you read it, ask yourself:
What do you think God's message is to us, in this passage?
This is the practice of Lectio Divina, a way of looking at Scripture where we acknowledge God continually working & speaking in us. God's Spirit is working and moving in you. God's Spirit is working in the deacons, who have agreed to serve and love the church, and we acknowledge that as something holy. We acknowledge the presence of God with them, like the Spirit as a dove on Jesus, or coming on God's people like tongues of fire.
One of my favorite things about this passage is that first line, which leans into the sheer goodness and joy that comes from God's people living in unity together, bound together, as one. Not seeking to tear one another down, not seeking to bring harm, but rather sharing everything they have, including the love and compassion for one another that they have learned from God.
This passage calls the love of one another in a united community something that is HOLY. There's something about this united community described here, where the very presence of the Lord is there among them. It's holy, like precious oil poured out all over someone, namely Aaron, who was a very important priest. God's united community is as holy as the most precious oil in the holiest of holies poured out all over him, not saved, not kept aside or hidden away, but poured out as an honoring gift, on those God has appointed to be priests, to do God's work in the world. Much like us.
It's like the dew on Hermon (a place near and close to us here on earth) falling on Mount Zion (being close to God). Heaven is brought near, and God blesses us. It's a big deal for a blessing to come from God in this way, but God pours love out to us in this way--- sending Jesus, to teach us love. Sending the Spirit, to unite us as a church.
As you go about your week, listen to this playlist, remembering that the Spirit of God is with you, and is in every act of love you give and receive. As we celebrate Sunday the deacons' willingness to give God's love to the congregation, remember this Scripture passage, and how it's a holy and beautiful thing to be united in love like this.
God's blessings to you.
~ Rev. Mackenzie Smith
August 9th: Matthew 14:22-33
Read our sermonic Scripture for this week, from MATTHEW 14:22-33 (NIV): the story of Jesus walking on the water.
"22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
We, like the disciples, are called to trust that Jesus is who He says He is, even in the midst of the crashing waves, that seem to always grow higher and higher. We can pass through them, walk on them, even, and not be overwhelmed, when we take Jesus' hand and join him in His work, in the midst of the difficult, scary thing. Jesus will call us to follow him into many storms, and we will be afraid. But with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can do amazing things, with God working through us, and in us, to better trust God more.
With the Spirit's help and presence with you, you will get through all of your storms this week. You are held, you are loved, and you shall not be overwhelmed. The God who walks on the waves will hold you fast.
Listen to the playlist for this week! May it guide your weekly rhythm, as a way to remember who walks with you. When the waves rise higher and higher, and threaten to bring you down, remember whose love gives you strength. Thanks be to God.
~ Rev. Mackenzie Smith
"22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
We, like the disciples, are called to trust that Jesus is who He says He is, even in the midst of the crashing waves, that seem to always grow higher and higher. We can pass through them, walk on them, even, and not be overwhelmed, when we take Jesus' hand and join him in His work, in the midst of the difficult, scary thing. Jesus will call us to follow him into many storms, and we will be afraid. But with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can do amazing things, with God working through us, and in us, to better trust God more.
With the Spirit's help and presence with you, you will get through all of your storms this week. You are held, you are loved, and you shall not be overwhelmed. The God who walks on the waves will hold you fast.
Listen to the playlist for this week! May it guide your weekly rhythm, as a way to remember who walks with you. When the waves rise higher and higher, and threaten to bring you down, remember whose love gives you strength. Thanks be to God.
~ Rev. Mackenzie Smith
August 2nd: Communion Sunday!
Take a moment before listening to this week's playlist, tailored to Communion Sunday, to read and reflect on the Sermonic Scripture for this week: MATTHEW 14:13-21.
"13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children."
Jesus made sure everyone had enough to eat, in the midst of disparity, when there was a concern that there wouldn't be enough resources for the whole group gathered. He did beautiful things with what was there, from the selfless contribution of a small meal for everyone, and this was enough to satisfy the masses that had come to learn from Jesus.
When we receive communion together, we remember what Jesus himself has done for us, in pouring out himself selflessly, that all may have enough and can intake salvation. It shows us that it's possible for everyone to approach this table, and God's salvation is enough for each person. When we read this story in Scripture about Jesus feeding the 5,000, we can remember that Jesus provides for us, too, even when things feel impossible. Our Shepherd will supply our need, our God invites us to the Holy Table, to be united in the Spirit and in mission.
As you go about your week, remember the God who moves mountains and accomplishes the impossible to make sure you are fed. Know that no need is too great, or too small, for God to not lay down God's own life for you on the cross. Thanks be to God.
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
"13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children."
Jesus made sure everyone had enough to eat, in the midst of disparity, when there was a concern that there wouldn't be enough resources for the whole group gathered. He did beautiful things with what was there, from the selfless contribution of a small meal for everyone, and this was enough to satisfy the masses that had come to learn from Jesus.
When we receive communion together, we remember what Jesus himself has done for us, in pouring out himself selflessly, that all may have enough and can intake salvation. It shows us that it's possible for everyone to approach this table, and God's salvation is enough for each person. When we read this story in Scripture about Jesus feeding the 5,000, we can remember that Jesus provides for us, too, even when things feel impossible. Our Shepherd will supply our need, our God invites us to the Holy Table, to be united in the Spirit and in mission.
As you go about your week, remember the God who moves mountains and accomplishes the impossible to make sure you are fed. Know that no need is too great, or too small, for God to not lay down God's own life for you on the cross. Thanks be to God.
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
July 26th: Children's Sunday!
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: JOHN 8:12
Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.” John 8:12 NIrV
This week in our Children's Ministry, Kingdom Quest VBS taught us these things about God, using the following stories:
1. Jesus is the way (Luke 5:1-11, Jesus calls the disciples)
2. Jesus is with me (Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus walks on the water)
3. Jesus is alive (Luke 23, 24, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection)
4. Jesus makes me new (Matthew 26, Mark 16, John 21, Peter’s Denial & Restoration)
5. The Holy Spirit helps me (Acts 2, Pentecost and the Early Church)
This week, the songs for our playlist are carefully chosen around these themes: that no matter what we go through, in all the ups and downs, Jesus is always with us! Jesus rose from the grave, and the Holy Spirit strengthens us to do all we are called to do. Thanks be to God!
As you go about your week this week, listen to these playlists, to enjoy some of the music the kids have been learning, and a few additional pieces separate from VBS for your own personal reflection and devotion. Have a blessed week!
~ Rev. Mackenzie Smith
Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.” John 8:12 NIrV
This week in our Children's Ministry, Kingdom Quest VBS taught us these things about God, using the following stories:
1. Jesus is the way (Luke 5:1-11, Jesus calls the disciples)
2. Jesus is with me (Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus walks on the water)
3. Jesus is alive (Luke 23, 24, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection)
4. Jesus makes me new (Matthew 26, Mark 16, John 21, Peter’s Denial & Restoration)
5. The Holy Spirit helps me (Acts 2, Pentecost and the Early Church)
This week, the songs for our playlist are carefully chosen around these themes: that no matter what we go through, in all the ups and downs, Jesus is always with us! Jesus rose from the grave, and the Holy Spirit strengthens us to do all we are called to do. Thanks be to God!
As you go about your week this week, listen to these playlists, to enjoy some of the music the kids have been learning, and a few additional pieces separate from VBS for your own personal reflection and devotion. Have a blessed week!
~ Rev. Mackenzie Smith
July 19th: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-34
SERMON SONG OF THE WEEK: "SPACE ODDITY" by David Bowie
Ground control to Major Tom...
Ground control to Major Tom...
...
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear....
This week, the sermonic passage, another snippet of a much longer Psalm, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24, reminds us that our big, expansive, creator God who made everything, who knit us together, who has searched us and known us from the beginning, is as near to us as our next breath:
1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
...
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
In all the things we traverse through, God is with us. God knows us inside and out, and loves us. God holds us, even in places of darkness, and walks with us through them. We know that in this Psalm. We know that in the presence of Jesus, who said "no" to staying in heaven to come down and be born in a stable, and live among us humans in all of our difficulty, and paved the way for light and life with God through His death and resurrection. We know that in the continued presence of God's Spirit, driving us to love others in the midst of their darknesses. God's love is big enough to love each person uniquely and individually, just like in this Psalm, and that love endures forever.
Give the playlists above a listen, particularly to the numerous different "Psalm 139" songs that are included in it, that all tell the "story" of this Psalm a little differently. Sometimes, hearing the same words spoken in different ways, in this case put to different melodies and in the context of different chords, can help us feel the impact of them in a new way. May this music help you experience the depth of God's love for you anew, and feel God's presence ever closer as you go about your week!
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
Ground control to Major Tom...
Ground control to Major Tom...
...
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear....
This week, the sermonic passage, another snippet of a much longer Psalm, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24, reminds us that our big, expansive, creator God who made everything, who knit us together, who has searched us and known us from the beginning, is as near to us as our next breath:
1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
...
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
In all the things we traverse through, God is with us. God knows us inside and out, and loves us. God holds us, even in places of darkness, and walks with us through them. We know that in this Psalm. We know that in the presence of Jesus, who said "no" to staying in heaven to come down and be born in a stable, and live among us humans in all of our difficulty, and paved the way for light and life with God through His death and resurrection. We know that in the continued presence of God's Spirit, driving us to love others in the midst of their darknesses. God's love is big enough to love each person uniquely and individually, just like in this Psalm, and that love endures forever.
Give the playlists above a listen, particularly to the numerous different "Psalm 139" songs that are included in it, that all tell the "story" of this Psalm a little differently. Sometimes, hearing the same words spoken in different ways, in this case put to different melodies and in the context of different chords, can help us feel the impact of them in a new way. May this music help you experience the depth of God's love for you anew, and feel God's presence ever closer as you go about your week!
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
July 12th: Psalm 119:105-112
SERMON SONG OF THE WEEK: "The Long and Winding Road" by The Beatles
The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I've seen that road before
It always leads me here
Lead me to you door...
This week, we reflect on a small part of a very long Psalm, Psalm 119:105-112. Take some time to click on one of the playlist links above, and listen. Think about what God's light looks like--- where you have seen God working for good, what it means that Jesus is the light of the world, how you can too be a light...and reflect on this part of the Psalm:
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.
Hear the good news:
Jesus, the Word, the Light of the World, comes to live in community with us. Through the Holy Spirit, we come to know God's ways, decrees, statutes, and can make it the foundation of all we do. God has revealed the Word in Jesus, in love, in living as Christ's body with all God's people. So we get to make our lives look like the One who denied heaven and took on the form of a servant, we get to follow Jesus into light, a light that drives out darkness, so that God's people can know that in their darknesses, they are not alone.
If you want to continue listening and reflecting on this Psalm through music before Sunday, give the playlists above a listen!
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I've seen that road before
It always leads me here
Lead me to you door...
This week, we reflect on a small part of a very long Psalm, Psalm 119:105-112. Take some time to click on one of the playlist links above, and listen. Think about what God's light looks like--- where you have seen God working for good, what it means that Jesus is the light of the world, how you can too be a light...and reflect on this part of the Psalm:
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.
Hear the good news:
Jesus, the Word, the Light of the World, comes to live in community with us. Through the Holy Spirit, we come to know God's ways, decrees, statutes, and can make it the foundation of all we do. God has revealed the Word in Jesus, in love, in living as Christ's body with all God's people. So we get to make our lives look like the One who denied heaven and took on the form of a servant, we get to follow Jesus into light, a light that drives out darkness, so that God's people can know that in their darknesses, they are not alone.
If you want to continue listening and reflecting on this Psalm through music before Sunday, give the playlists above a listen!
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
July 5th: Psalm 145
SERMON SONG OF THE WEEK: "LEAN ON ME" by Bill Whithers
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
This week, we reflect on a Psalm of Praise, for our God is with us when we are not strong, our Friend when we need help to make it through. So, the Psalmist gives an outpouring of praise in Psalm 145. Take a look:
.....
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
.....
14 The Lord upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
.....
Hear the good news:
As we look to tomorrow, in the midst of pain and sorrow, we find a God who we can lean on. That is worth having joy for: knowing our God does all these things for the downtrodden, and lends a helping hand through it all!
If you want to continue listening and reflecting on this Psalm through music before Sunday, give the playlists above a listen!
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
This week, we reflect on a Psalm of Praise, for our God is with us when we are not strong, our Friend when we need help to make it through. So, the Psalmist gives an outpouring of praise in Psalm 145. Take a look:
.....
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
.....
14 The Lord upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
.....
Hear the good news:
As we look to tomorrow, in the midst of pain and sorrow, we find a God who we can lean on. That is worth having joy for: knowing our God does all these things for the downtrodden, and lends a helping hand through it all!
If you want to continue listening and reflecting on this Psalm through music before Sunday, give the playlists above a listen!
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
June 28: Psalm 13
SERMON SONG OF THE WEEK: "The Thrill is Gone" by B.B. King
...The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away from me
Thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I'll still live on baby
But so lonely I'll be...
The thrill is gone, the lament is deep, so the Psalmist cries out to God. Psalm 13 says:
"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me."
But hear the good news: God is there in our lament, just as much as God is there in our joy. In every season, God is there.
If you want to begin listening and reflecting on this Psalm through music before Sunday, give the playlists above a listen!
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith
...The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away from me
Thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I'll still live on baby
But so lonely I'll be...
The thrill is gone, the lament is deep, so the Psalmist cries out to God. Psalm 13 says:
"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me."
But hear the good news: God is there in our lament, just as much as God is there in our joy. In every season, God is there.
If you want to begin listening and reflecting on this Psalm through music before Sunday, give the playlists above a listen!
~Rev. Mackenzie Smith