From ancient Israel camping at Jericho to a pig-pen epiphany in Jesus’ most famous parable, we see the same storyline: God is determined to bring us home.
Category Archives: Devotional
Is There Really Such a Thing as a ‘Free Lunch’?
Our world runs on carefully calculated transactions. We’re trained to believe that anything truly valuable comes with a price tag to match. “You get what you pay for” isn’t just a saying—it’s practically economic gospel.
And yet, right in the middle of our subscription-based, premium-package, upgrade-obsessed culture, God makes what sounds like a marketing scam: “Come buy… without money.”
From Audience to Participants: Rediscovering Our Role in Gathered Worship
So next Sunday, as you enter your place of worship, remember: you’re not walking into a theater to be entertained. You’re not even walking onto a stage merely to perform. You’re joining a sacred rehearsal of the greatest story ever told—a drama that began at creation, found its climactic scene at the cross, and continues to unfold until Christ returns.
The Enemies of Joyful Worship
This is the staggering power of joy-filled worship—it defies explanation in human terms. It can only be understood as the supernatural work of God in hearts captivated by Christ. It stands as living proof that the gospel has indeed superseded the powers of this world, overcome our frailty, and secured victory over the evil one.
Taking Others to the Mountain: The Guiding Choir
Our calling is to help others make the same journey, to experience for themselves the transformative power of standing in God’s presence. Through our music and worship leading, we extend an invitation: “Come up to the mountain with us and see the glory of God revealed in Christ.”
Bearing Kingdom Fruit
This is the deeper wisdom of God’s kingdom – that in Christ, our very poverty becomes the soil of blessing, our hunger the seed of satisfaction, our tears the water of new life.
Where Earthly Doors Are Closed, Heavenly Doors Stand Open
Through His sacrifice, He has made this possible, turning the “no vacancy” sign of Bethlehem into heaven’s welcome mat. The stable was temporary, but His Father’s house is eternal.
From Heaven: The Humility of Christ in the Incarnation
The extraordinary humility displayed in Christ’s birth challenges our human expectations and transforms our understanding of God’s glory. As we continue our Advent study, let’s explore how the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth establish a pattern of belief, worship, and life that reshapes our Christian walk. Lex Credendi: The Truth We Believe Luke’s nativity accountContinueContinue reading “From Heaven: The Humility of Christ in the Incarnation”
Understanding the Incarnation: Faith, Worship, and Living
While we celebrate the Incarnation, especially during Advent and Christmas, this belief, worship, and life pattern shape Christian discipleship throughout the year. Each Sunday’s worship recalls this mystery, and each act of service embodies it. Similarly, each moment of prayer assumes it.
How a Fifth-Grade Literacy Assignment Revealed the Reason Behind My Calling: Reflections on 9/11
To all the first responders out there—past, present, and future—you’re my heroes. Your courage and sacrifice aren’t forgotten. They wake me up in the morning, ready to serve those who serve us all.
And to everyone else reading this – let’s remember 9/11 not just as a tragedy but as a reminder of the incredible heroism that shines even in the darkest moments. Maybe we can all find a way, big or small, to honor that legacy by looking out for each other and supporting those who risk it all to keep us safe.
Josh Cehulik 