ChoirTalks: Recent Episodes
ChoirTalks
I am a Worship Pastor in Madison, MS. Each week I share scripture with my choir that God has highlighted during my daily Bible study. I hope to strengthen and encourage my folks in choir. I hope you'll find encouragement here too!
2 Cor. 3:18 is an important part of understanding what the New Testament view about worship.
Psalm 112 talks about the one who "fears" and "delights" in the Lord. Spoiler - there are blessings for that persons.
Maybe we should embrace our "need." Hear me out..."Need is God's strength yet to be revealed in our lives."
Ruth is a beautiful story. I think it's a study on choices and how they affect our futures. Let's look at the first choice in the story for some insight
How can I make a difference in others with my prayer life? let's look at one of Paul's prayers and learn
God's work in creation - available to all to see but they are pondered by those who delight in them. Psalm 111.
Last week was Easter and I'm still reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus this week. Look with me at some of what he said when he began to appear again to his disciples. What can we takeaway from those experiences?
Love how King David - even in a crisis situation - sees his greatest need as needing to walk closer to God. Want to be a "person after God's own heart" like David? check out the prayer he prays in Ps. 86:11-12
In Psalm 42, the writer's critics see his distress and say "Where is your God?" I know you have felt like asking that question. This Psalm writer is looking for God in difficult circumstances as he says "as the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for You my God." Then there's that cryptic phrase "deep calls to deep." what does that mean?
What delights you? What captures your imagination when you have a moment for thoughtfulness? Can you direct your "delight" toward something/someone? Here's some thoughts from an ancient song
When was the last time you watched a storm and marveled at it's power? That's what David is doing in Ps. 29 - see how it impacts him
Remember the prayer you learned as a preschooler? It probably started "God is great, God is good..." Those are actually precious truths that should guide the way you relate to God. Ps. 145 uses those two thoughts as a launching point for our praise.
Why does Jesus say His yoke is easy and His burden is light? what does it mean for me today?
Biblical genealogies - boring, right? Here's a Christmas thought from Matthew's genealogy of Jesus
Just like children inherit and imitate the characteristics of their parents so we should be holy because we are children of the Holy One.
God says of the ancient Israelites, "their hearts are far from me." What does God see in your "heart"?
As I read thru Isaiah, I am struck by the prophecy about the Messiah and His ultimate kingdom and reign
looking behind the words of Psalm 84, you find a great backstory and a story of restoration
Psalm 77 - Asaph the psalm writer is in a season of distress. Maybe you are there too - let's see what he does.
"God won't give you more than you can handle" - is that true? Let's see what Paul has to say about that
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials" Really, joy in trials??
You know this Psalm,,,but do you? It's a beautiful passage but one that we should call on often
Jesus challenges his followers to go farther than the expected, do more than you have to do. His sermon on the mount gives us a roadmap for following him and it's challenging but living by it would transform the world.
Do you have a “to-do” list this week? Are you a “list” person?Does someone else (like a spouse 😊) make a “to-do” list for you?
Psalm 20 is a prayer for King David. As we look at it, it might give us some guidance as to how to pray for someone who is on our prayer list.
Bread is mentioned in the Bible 492 times. It holds an interesting place in the Biblical narrative
One of the great warnings of Hebrews is to not doubt. We can have faith instead of doubt because of the role of our Great High Priest
I'm thankful that we don't have to make all of those animal sacrifices any more as we worship. What sacrifices does the N.T. say that we need to offer?
The Bible says so much about giving. For believers giving is motivated by grace let's talk about that
I woke up thinking about a conversation I had with someone about their weakness. the Bible says a lot about that.
A meaningful verse for me as I finished reading the Bible last year is also a great verse to start a new year on. Join me for a few minutes as we start 2023 together with the Lord.
"my way is hidden from the Lord, my cause is disregarded by my God." That's what the Jews in Babylon were thinking during their 70 year exile . I've felt that way before, how about you? Read Isaiah 40 with me to see God's response.
Over the last few years, I've seen some controversy centered around one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. It's a verse you'll see on T-shirts, coffee mugs, wall hangings - it's everywhere but what does it mean to us?
There's a story in the Old Testament about a king who finds a book and rips his clothes. It's a story of hope for all of us.
Hosea was a unique prophet in the Old Testament with a message for Israel that speaks to us today. In the book we see a faithful God who reaches for an unfaithful people. and of course there's "yada" (tune in to see what that is!)
What does your worship look like to God? ever thought about that? Catch choir talks today as we look at the prophet Amos
One of my fav stories from the Old Testament and ... it involves the choir! I love this person response to facing an overwhelming circumstance. A lot to learn here.
There's a story in the book of 1st Kings that is a dramatic showdown between God and Baal. It's starts off with a challenge: "If the Lord is God, follow Him!"
"there is a time for everything for everything..." let's look at that famous poem from Ecclesiastes.
The book of Proverbs says a lot about our speech. Join me to see 4 types of speech that Proverbs talks about
The book of Proverbs speaks of 2 characters: "the Wise" and "the Fool." There's one key difference that separates the two of them.
You seen a moment when that one player makes a play that changes the game from a loss to a win. That person is a game changer. His play takes everyone of the teams followers from despair to joy. Read Psalm 30 with me to see a Game Changer.
David's greatest failure gives us a picture of what sin can do. It also gives us a picture of ourselves. It also gives us a picture of a God who restores.
In 1st Samuel 3, there is a cool story of God speaking to a young boy and the powerful prayer he says to God.
Psalm 91, attributed to Moses, pictures God in 2 metaphors that help us understand his character.
when asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6. Let's look at that verse and it's context in Deuteronomy.
After reading since the beginning of the year from the Old Testament, I wanted to look at a passage from the New Testament to see how all of the concepts from the Old Testament find life in the New Testament. Read with me today from Hebrews 10
From Exodus 33 - Moses is looking for a "5 quick tips on how to lead" resource but he finds something very different
From Exodus 33. Moses does something intentional to make sure he was depending on God's strength and wisdom.
Looking at the altars that are built in the book of Genesis and what we can learn from them.
In Genesis, Hagar gives God a new name - "Jehovah Roi". It's a beautiful name for God that helps us see His care for us.
On our way to Christmas, let's look at the prophecy from Isaiah that looks for a coming one called "Emmanuel."
Your perspective changes your response to circumstances in life. Do you have a godly perspective of what's going on right now in your life? Here's advice from the Apostle Paul for how to deal with difficulties.
Psalm 36 Do I flatter myself too much to detect my sin? Why should I focus seek my own pleasure? You invite me to "drink from your river of delights!"
Jesus' first recorded miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. We'll look at his mother's interaction during that event on this week's podcast.
Psalm 95 starts with an invitation - "come." I invite you to come along with me to explore this psalm.
Content alert! This recording contains gushings over a grandchild. Content may not be appropriate for those sensitive to feels.
Ever felt "stuck" in life? You are not alone! An ancient song writer wrote Psalm 40 after a period of being stuck.
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul says he has come to understand a "Secret." It's a "life-hack" to help you walk thru life (and he gives us a famous verse.)
Looking at Psalm 32 today. It's a song written by David after a terrible moment in his life.
The song writer asks an important question: "Who can ascend to the mountain of the Lord?" What right would a mere mortal have to approach the great God?
Looking today at Ezra from the Old Testament. The Bible says "the gracious hand of God was on him." here's a verse to understand why.
Are you more concerned about your profile pic or about posting the best pics of others? Listen to a challenging verse about what is required of believers in their pursuit of unity.
I think that fear often comes from a place of uncertainty. King David begins Psalm 27 with a statement of certainty inspite of the presence of enemies
What is the greatest prayer recorded in the Bible? check out episode 89 for a possible answer..
"How's it going?" "Blessed" ever heard that as a response? let's see what the Bible means when it talks about being "blessed."
"Striving together" - we are in this together. IF you follow Jesus, you are a part of a team.
Ever scrolled thru social media and felt worse about how things are going in your life? The writer of Psalm 73 had read too many social media posts...
The writer of Psalm 77 is in a difficult moment of his life. He's sought the Lord but has no answer. He gives us a pattern of how we can deal with those moments when we are waiting on God.
Got that one person in your life that is just hard to deal with? Check out how King David dealt with difficult people.
Just before leaving earth, Jesus gives his followers instructions to prepare them for the beginning of the Church. He talks about the power that would propel the church.
Looking at the role of the Holy Spirit this week especially His role in overcoming sin in our lives.
60 years ago last month, Yuri Gagarin became to first man to break thru earth's atmosphere and enter space. On his return, he was quoted as saying "I looked but I didn't see God up there." Psalm 19 says "the heavens declare the glory of God." You don't have to fly into space to see God. To those who are looking, He is revealing himself today thru creation and thru the Bible.
Read Psalm 16 with me and "sit in the pew" next to a worshipper as he speaks to God thru his lyric.
"a person of faith" - what does that really look like? Let's look at how one man's faith shaped his life.
All good fantasy books tend to have a "sword of power." A sword that has some supernatural power to aid the hero face overwhelming odds. I was reading Hebrews this week and found the original "sword of power." Check it out with me.
Jesus speaks 7 times as he is dying on the cross. He spoke with great intent and purpose in choosing those 7 sayings. Let's look at those together.
For Christ followers, there is a tension between the hope that we have and the hopelessness that we can sometimes feel. This past year has brought us so many difficult things. Sometimes we just wake up and groan. Let's talk about that.
Isaiah 53 is a prophecy about the Messiah and His suffering. A beautiful and important passage that speaks to me.
John ends his letter (the one we know as 1st John) with 3 things that an authentic believer knows. 3 things that he wants them to be sure of, confident about.
To understand the nature of who God is, you need to understand what John says in 1st John - "God is Love."
The letter of 1st John details out what it looks like to be an authentic Christ follower. In Chapter 3, John shows us what authentic love looks like. Check out this great scripture passage.
Continuing in 1st John to see the picture that he paints for being an authentic Christ follower. In this episode, John gives us two tests to help us see if the authentic Christ-life is growing in us.
Authentic belief in Jesus makes for authentic changes in the way we live. Look at the first chapter of 1st John with me and see what John tells us about being authentic.
one of the fallouts of the Covid pandemic - feeling disconnected. Feeling disconnected from the church, your brothers and sisters in Christ? Here's some thoughts from Paul's writing to the Philippians.
Merry Christmas! Look with me today at the coming of the King who is Jesus. Matthew's gospel offers proof that Jesus is the king. This podcast will give you some background info on the Christmas story.
Revelation chapter 5 brings us alongside of the apostle John as he glimpses into heaven and sees the fantastic scene of worship there.
The language of Revelation, so full of imagery, engages your imagination. Take a minute with me to try to imagine the throne room of God that John describes in Revelation 4.
In Revelation chapter 2-3, Jesus dictates letters to 7 churches. Here's what he said to a church in the ancient city of Pergamum.
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable with lessons about prayer. Luke says that Jesus wanted to "show them that they should always pray and not give up."
In Luke 15, Jesus tells 3 stories. Each of them has the same outline - "lost", "found", "rejoice."
Luke 7 gives a contrast of 2 people and their approach to Jesus. Check out why the worship of a "sinful person" was accepted but a "religious person" missed out.
I talked with someone recently that said “I wish I could be like those strong Christians.” You might think that those “strong Christians” that you know never struggle with doubt but the bible shows us moments in the lives of many believers where they doubted.
"All scripture is God-breathed and useful..." That's what Paul writes to Timothy. Is scripture really useful? How does it impact it's reader?
What about when God feels distant? When your prayers seem unheeded? When your relationship with God seems dry? Psalm 13 gives us insight for those times in our lives.
Episode 50 focuses on God's Compassion. When we understand the depth of God's love, we realize that we can "cry out" to him and find His compassion to us. (I recorded this live in front of an audience and at the beginning, my computer broke and I lost all of my notes so please disregard when I say "I can't quote that verse right now" several times :) )
This Covid virus quarantine gives us a chance to slow down a little and reflect on our lives and the world around us. When we read the Bible, we need to reflect - read slowly and deeply so that you will allow the Holy Spirit to give you insight. This season gives us a chance to reflect on life but even better, time to reflect on what the Holy Spirit is saying to you as you spend time in the Word.
Looking for God to do something in your life but nothing is changing? Feel like you are doing all the right things but God is not seeing? Isaiah 58 gives us a "fast" way to get God's attention.
The ancient Israelites were going thru a horrible season. They were in exile. We are not experiencing anything that can compare but this Covid pandemic can make you feel like you are in exile. Separated from friends, family, routine, "normal." Here the encouragement from Isaiah 43. Sometimes in the midst of chaos, inspite of chaos, God is bringing about good change.
I'm convinced that God communicates with his children. Those who believe that look for that communication. In Isaiah 50 God speaks thru the prophet and we see that not "listening" for the voice of God is a dangerous business.
Episode 44 comes from Ephesians Chapter 5. Here's Paul's challenges: "walk in love," "walk in light," "walk wisely." Listen today to see what he has to say about each.
Ephesians tells us that we should put on the "new self." How does that affect the way we talk? check out episode 42 for a great scripture verse that has some practical help for us.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he commanded that his grave clothes be taken off. Since you and I have been raised from spiritual death to spiritual life (Eph. 2) we need to take off those old grave clothes that are binding us!
In Episode 40 we explore the gifting, offices and service that build up the church then we take a worship break and reflect on the MANY things that Ephesians says about those who are "in Christ."
Unity in our day? Seems unlikely, right? Listen to Ephesians 4 with me and see a way forward.
In Ephesians 3, Paul tells us what we should ask for from God's "riches." It's the 2nd prayer the we see embedding in this great letter. This prayer can be a model to teach us to pray for God's enablement.
Racism is an age old problem. Paul addresses a racial issue of his time in Ephesians 2 and leaves us some clues about overcoming the "Wall of Hostility."
Are you praying for these 4 things (and why you should be!) Join me as we break down Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:17-21
"Have a blessed day." In Ephesians 1, Paul talks about the blessings we have every day. This time during the pandemic is a good time to remember the blessings you have in Christ.
Galatians 6 talks about sharing. This is a great moment for sharing as we weather this crisis together.
Psalm 34 - Praise is for everyday, praise encourages, praise is to be shared. Taste and see that the Lord is good!
Psalm 22 is a prophetic Psalm that for sees the crucifixion centuries before the event. It's a great Psalm to read as we look toward Good Friday and Easter this weekend.
David sets up his main thought in the first verse of Psalm 101 "I will sing of your love AND justice."
Episode 27 is a reading of Psalm 90. We are in the middle of the Corona virus outbreak and this psalm has some encouragement for us.
Episode 26 is a reading of Psalm 46. It's a great encouragement for uncertain times and has been a blessing to me during the spread of Covid-19.
Psalm 25. David the king of Israel writes a song that shows his humble dependence on God.
If I called Psalm 67 a "missionary Psalm" would you skip listening to this episode? Would you assume it applied to someone else? Jesus call to "make disciples of all nations" is a call for EVERY believer not just missionaries. listen to Psalm 67 with me today and let's learn to pray this song to see God's glory spread across this planet.
I remember when I first put on glasses. It changed the way I saw everything around me. 2 Corinthians 5 shows another event that changes the way we see everything and everyone.
Where do you put your "treasure?" A bank account? Safety Deposit Box? Brokerage account? A safe? Probably some place secure, hidden. God has a different place for his treasure. He puts it in "jars of clay." Read with me thru 2 Corinthians 4 with me today.
An important verse came up in my reading this week - 2 Corinthians 3:18. Paul uses an illustration of Moses with a veil over his face to make a point to his readers. It's a found in a verse full of meaning.
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus gives his disciples an amazing illustration. Listen in this week to see how this picture that Jesus paints for them impacts us all of these centuries later.
In 2nd Corinthians 2, Paul uses interesting imagery to illustrate how our lives make a difference for the Kingdom. (spoiler alert - it involves a "smell.")
Even mature Christ-Followers go through times of discouragement. Find out what Paul says in 2nd Corinthians to help in those difficult times.
In Episode 17 we read a prophecy of Messiah and what that ancient text means for us today.
In Episode 16 we focus on Thanksgiving - not the holiday with turkey and Pilgrims but the spiritual discipline of giving thanks to God that is essential for believers.
How is your prayer life? Read with me a prayer from a prisoner that impacted the lives of many and can teach us how to prayer for others.
Episode 14 picks up a cool story from Acts 16. It's a worship service - in a jail - with an earthquake - that ends in changed lives. "Even in terrible circumstances, the eyes of faith can see a faithful God."
How do you respond to criticism in areas where you have leadership responsibility? We see a picture of a godly way to deal with a complaint in Acts 6.
Today we will have a prayer experience where we pray thru the parts of the "Lord's Prayer" found in Matthew 6.
Psalm 112 starts with a "beatitude" then shows us the blessings that mark the life of someone who has a reverential awe for God.
In this episode of Choir Talks we break down Psalm 25. It's a Psalm for finding God's ways, paths in this journey of life that we are taking. We can plan a journey in great detail now with internet websites, apps, etc but there's no app that can guide you thru all that life throws at you. Listen to this Psalm with me and think about how God can lead us as we journey thru life.
Episode 9 comes from Psalm 84 attributed to the "Sons of Korah." They come from a family who had a public shame but God restored them and used them. I didn't know anything about them but traced their history in the Old Testament and it helped me understand this psalm better.
This is not an episode of Choir Talks. It's an interview format podcast on the day after I spoke in our church on worship. For those of you interested in what the Bible says about worship, check it out. if you want to hear the whole sermon it's available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWzY9b-32Sw
In episode 8 we read the wonderful beginning to Hebrews 12. I love picture painted of the runner at the start line of a race. I'm encouraged by this passage and it spurs us on to "run with perseverance."
This week we read about a new Temple that God is building described in Ephesians 2:21-22.
"With Great Fear and Trembling" In episode 5 we looked at 1st Corinthians 1 and saw that God chooses weakness. In this Episode, we read 1st Corinthians 2 and see that Paul doesn't fear coming in "weakness but has "great fear and trembling" of strength. That seems kind of backward, right? Let's explore...
In John 14, Jesus gives his disciples 6 assurances to equip them for difficult times that they are about to experience. I think these 6 statements from Jesus are powerful and helpful for any believer who is going thru uncertain times.
This week I focused on a great verse, Philippians 1:6. It makes me ask the question "what is God teaching me right now?"
Episode 2 is a talk about Ezekial 11:19 where God promises to restore His people and give them a "heart of flesh."
"Look to the heavens" - Isaiah 40:26 devotional thought. Isaiah 40 is such a beautiful chapter. As God is calling His people back to Himself, He wants them to know His greatness. He calls them to experience Him as worshippers.