If we want to know the Glory of God, if we want to experience the beauty of God, and if we want to be used by the hand of God, then we must LIVE in the WORD of God.

The very first word out of Jesus; mouth in is ministry in the New Testament is clear: repent.

Peruse the Christian marketplace, and you will find a plethora of books, songs, and paintings that depict God as a loving Father.

So the challenge for us is to live in such a way that we are radically dependent on and desperate for the power that only God can provide.

What if all it took to bring us to our knees and to ignite our affections was the Word opened and the presence of God? What if that was enough for us? What if it didn't take a great band to evoke that kind of response from us in worship? What if His presence - His Word opened - what if it was enough?

God uses sorrowful tragedy to set the stage for surprising triumph-whether in this life or the life to come.

Jesus is not some puny religious teacher begging for an invitation from anyone. He is the all-sovereign Lord who deserves submission from everyone.