March 11, 2026

Happy Wednesday everyone! I have a question for you – if asked, could you tell a friend or neighbor or relative what you believe about the Lord in a short, concise reply? I am posing the question right now because this is the time for us all to begin to invite our friends, neighbors and relatives to church for Holy Week. Pastor Doug has been mentioning a lot lately how many of those whom Jesus healed went around telling everyone what Jesus had done for them – even if He told them not to! It’s a big part of the reason Jesus’ arrival drew such big crowds from the surrounding areas. News about the miracles had already gone out, even before He arrived! I think a big part of low attendance in so many churches these days is because we are not telling anyone what Jesus has done for us.

Back to our question – could you do it? Clearly and concisely? Without hemming, hawing or stuttering? I am not sure I could. I get really nervous when I talk to people about important things. And when I get passionate, when the subject is important or could have major consequences, my passion has frequently been mistaken for anger (which just makes everything a tangled mess…). Anyway, because of this issue, many years ago I began to collect songs in my library that laid out with their lyrics some of the things I believe are most important about my relationship with Jesus. In Christ Alone, We Believe, How Deep the Father’s Love for Us, Mercy Came Running, Hello My Name Is, God Is In Control, For Who He Really Is… the list goes on and on. Each one is a reminder to me about what I know to be true about God and what is involved in this relationship we are building together.

These songs help me keep what is important up front in my memory and easy to reach and vocalize. I am still passionate about Jesus and my relationship with Him, about His church and the importance of it, still an introvert, still hesitant to invite people to church because the potential exists for conflict. But at least I don’t have to worry about coming up with something to say. Everything is right there at the tip of my tongue (so to speak).

This Sunday in worship we will be singing a couple songs that might help you put some of these important facts into order in your own mind, one from the 17th century, and the other composed more recently in 2023. The first song lays out the progression of the Gospel much the same way as the words of the pledge to the Christian flag (One Savior, crucified, risen and coming again). The second paints a picture of what should be our natural response to this understanding of the Gospel (Love so amazing demands my soul, my life, my all). Either one or both would be appropriate to add to your life playlist, if you have one.

I hope you will be in worship this week as we sing these songs. Nothing is more encouraging to the hearts of believers than to be in the company of other believers, singing together the truths of Scripture!

I will be looking for you…

Careen

Worship Songs for March 15:

I Believe – Phil Wickham – https://youtu.be/oOx_gUY4bQY?si=rzN8yvgqTZgj3s5R

House of the Lord – Phil Wickham – https://youtu.be/h8uKldEUrPE?si=gBevF_KhYgddLmi3

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Keith & Kristyn Getty – https://youtu.be/tRfcehP0SLU?si=WZuMjHOQrtZsqGAm

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross – Sarah McCracken/Keith & Kristyn Getty –https://youtu.be/WNwWgKOPdfA?si=rxKWwJFhcrpnKcLJ