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Worship Alive Plus!

Second Sunday in Lent

Series C

Worship Alive Plus! is designed to be adaptable in planning

contemporary, blended, and “fresh traditional” worship.

The Scripture readings are the assigned readings for the day taken from the

Revised Common Lectionary @ Augsburg Publishing House

The Liturgy and Sermon Starters & Seasonings are written by the writers of

Worship Alive Plus! @ WorshipOutlet

Theme – “Keep On Keeping On!” Luke 13:31-35

Living in this world is challenging. We all know it is not easy and it is especially hard at certain times in our lives. We can easily get discouraged and want to give up during the race of life. Sometimes it is people who put up barriers in our way. The Bible is filled with stories and examples of people just like us who felt the same way. We see that strength, courage, faith, and hope came to those people from God and they were able to keep on keeping on! Jesus had a mission to fulfill and there were even some who tried hard to keep Jesus from staying on course. He knew that his mission was from God, the Father, and it would change the world forever. Nothing would get in the way of fulfilling the plan of salvation for humanity.

? We Lift Our Hearts in Worship ?

[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]

Time of Praise and Worship

What Faith Can Do

Scott Davis & Scott Krippayne, ©2008 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) Life Of Rhyme Music Publishing (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) Pirk Music

Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)

Chase Jenkins, Dan Hamilton, Robbie Seay, Ryan Owens, Taylor Johnson, & Tedd Tjornhom, ©2007 Birdwing Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) Meaux Hits (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Tedasia Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Say Say

Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, & Kristian Stanfill, ©2010 sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sweater Weather Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Chris Tomlin, John Newton, & Louie Giglio, ©2006 songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

[Traditional Options]

My Faith Looks Up To Thee

BH 75 382; BH 91 416; CH 539; CHH 576; EH 691; ELW 759; HWC 410; HFG 84; HLC 366; HGP 192; HSP 8; LWB 479; LSB 702; LW 378; PH 383; RH 423; STTL 433; WC 552; UMH 452; WAR 419; WHM 433; WIS 54

I Trust, O Christ, In You Alone

LBW 395; LSB 972; LW 357

Fight the Good Fight

BH 75 394; EH 552,553; HFG 613; HLC 469; HSP 163; LBW 461; LSB 664; LW 299; PH 307

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme

Pastor It is the season of Lent, the season of Springtime, a season of growth! We are here on the journey with Jesus – walking with him through the experiences of life.

ALL As Jesus showed us, let us go forward with perseverance so that we too, can fulfill the mission before us and serve Christ by staying on course. We have confidence in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Pastor Gracious God, we know that the journey is long and the cross is heavy. At times we want to give up. We find ourselves getting weary of the responsibilities and burdens in life, especially when we endure pain and discomfort. Our greatest source of comfort and peace comes from knowing that you walk with us, hold us, and carry us along the way. Jesus said, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” What beautiful words from the one who took the treacherous path to the cross for us. Thank you God, for loving us so much, you were willing to sacrifice your Son for us.

ALL In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Time of Greeting

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location: following Message]

Pastor Loving God, we know that you always keep your promises, one before your promise to forgive. Even though we believe this truth, we still are reluctant to pour out our hearts to you and confess the wrongs we have committed in our lives. Today, we come before you in honesty to communicate our sins to you.

People We have had hard hearts and stubborn attitudes rather than letting you rule our lives. .

We have not displayed acts of mercy and love when called for.

We have bent the truth to serve our own purposes.

We have been slow to apologize and quick to condemn in some situations.

We have coveted things we do not need and been envious of what others have.

We have refrained from serving, yet demanded service from others.

We have followed the world instead of following Christ.

Forgive us Lord for these particular sins and those we name before you now in silence:

(take a moment for self-examination)

Pastor It is with great relief and joy that I can say, all our sins are forgiven. Praise God! Help us now to continue our Lenten journey and follow Jesus in all our thoughts, words, and deeds, Amen

? We Hear God’s Word ?

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

First Reading Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

God promised Abram descendants so numerous it would be like trying to count the stars.

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." 2 But Abram said, "O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" 3 And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir." 4 But the word of the LORD came to him, "This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir." 5 He brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be." 6 And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness. 7 Then he said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess." 8 But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?" 9 He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." 10 He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him…17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.

Second Reading Philippians 3:17-4:1

The Apostle Paul urged the Philippians to imitate him and thus live in the likeness of Christ.

17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. 4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Gospel Luke 13:31-35

The Pharisees wanted to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem, yet their opposition would not detract him from the mission.

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32 He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Response Songs

[Alternate location: following Message]

Your Great Name

Krissy Nordhoff & Michael Neale, ©2008 Integrity's Praise! Music | TwoNords Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)

Promises

Jared Anderson, ©2006 Vertical Worship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)

Our God Saves

Brenton Brown and Paul Baloche, ©2007 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Integrity's Hosanna! Music Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)

[Traditional Options]

Thy Strong Word

EH 381; ELW 511; LBW 233; LSB 578; LW 328

How Firm A Foundation

BH 75 383;BH 91 338; CH 408; CHH 618; EH 636,637; ELW 796; HWC 275; HPW 38; HFG 32; HLC 224; HGP 162; HSP 121; LWB 507; LSB 728; LW 411; NCH 407; PH 361; RH 221; STTL 689; WC 612; UMH 529; WAR 411; WHM 342; WIS 1

Jesus, Still Lead On

BH 75 500; ELW 624; HLC 450; LBW 341; LSB 718; LW 386; NCH 446

Message “Keep On Keeping On!”

“Sermon Seasonings” provided at the end of this service

? We Respond to God’s Word ?

[Optional location for Confession/Absolution]

Affirmation of Faith

We believe in the God of Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Sarah, Ruth, Deborah, and Esther. It is this one true God who has kept His promises to all his people down through time and continues to keep them for us today.

We believe in Jesus, the incarnate God and Word made flesh, who walked this earth as one of us. He made it clear that he loves all people, calls us each by name, and cleanses us from our sins. Jesus stayed the course orchestrated by God, the Father, and saved us all so that we will inherit the gift of eternal life.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who unites the Christian community in one faith, one Lord, and one baptism so that we all can identify ourselves as the body of Christ – united for service and mission in the world.

[Alternate Suggestions]

Praise the Father, Praise the Son Ed Cash & Chris Tomlin, ©2008 Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services)

Because We Believe Nancy Gordon & Jamie Harvill, ©1996 Mother’s Heart Music & Integrity’s Hosanna! Music and Integrity’s Praise! Music

This Is What I Believe Walt Harrah & John Schreiner, ©1992 and ©1993 Maranatha! Music

-OR-

Speak the historic Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed

Offerings

[Choose an unused song from elsewhere in the service, or program Special Music by worship team, choir, or soloist]

? We Pray ?

Prayers

[Formal language with litany responses such as “Hear our prayer” are not recommended for contemporary worship. Worshipers appreciate the sincerity of informal, heartfelt prayer. “Heartfelt prayer” models a simple prayer language anyone can use at home, in the car, at the office, etc. These starters are offered to help facilitate spontaneity.]

Prayer Topic Starters

• Give us minds and hearts filled with Christ’s love and an attitude of perseverance so that we can keep on keeping on as we live out our lives on earth.

• Imprint upon us the story of Jesus as he journeyed to the cross, that he may serve as an example for us.

• Help us embrace the call from God to serve and realize that we each have been given a purpose where we have been planted.

• When barriers come our way, we ask for strength, patience, and determination—always striving to fulfill the mission before us.

• Help us remember that the power of the Holy Spirit is with us always—a power that energizes us and keeps us moving forward.

The Lord’s Prayer

[Consider occasionally singing the Lord’s Prayer, a capella or with accompaniment]

Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

[A Communion option is provided for churches celebrating the Lord’s Supper]

? We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper ?

Here our Lord gives to us His own Body and Blood for the forgiveness of all our sins.

We Prepare

Pastor Lord God, you have called us to your table of grace to experience your presence and the gifts you offer. We know that you instituted this meal so that people everywhere could receive the benefits of forgiveness, strength, and renewal. We know that we are not worthy to partake of the bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ, yet worthiness is not a prerequisite. In humility, we come, sinners that we are, because you commanded us to do this. In obedience, we willingly come and realize that this is just what we need. You demonstrated your love and amazing grace by sending Jesus, your only Son, to die a brutal death on the cross for our sake and as promised, He rose from the grave. His resurrection is our resurrection!

On the night….

Words of Institution

[Worshipers may turn to one another and share the peace which comes from the Lord with words such as, “The Spirit be with you.”]

Distribution Songs

You Never Let Go

Beth Redman & Matt Redman, ©2005 Thankyou Music (Admin by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

The Stand

Joel Houston, ©2005 Hillsong Publishing (Admin.by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails)

Brian Johnson, Christa Black, & Jeremy Riddle, ©2010 Bethel Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) ChristaJoy Music Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)

[Traditional Options]

The Love of God

CH 157; HWC 67; HFG 18; HSP 35/167; RH 65; STTL 86; WHM 96

The Old Rugged Cross

BH 75 430; BH 91 141; CH 327; CHH 548; HWC 186; HFG 256; HLC 236; HGP 87; HSP 57; NCH 195; RH 165; STTL 233; WC 484; UMH 504; WAR 260; WHM 228; WIS 141

I Need Thee Every Hour

BH 75 379; BH 91 450; CH 638; CHH 578; HWC 428; HPW 54; HFG 443; HLC 340; HGP 355; HSP 292; NCH 517; RH 565; STTL 600; WC 538; UMH 397; WAR 476; WHM 514; WIS 476

Dismissal Blessing

Pastor You have received through the elements, the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. My they strengthen you for the journey ahead.

ALL Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

? We Depart in Peace ?

Benediction

Pastor May you be given hope in the midst of doubts, perseverance when faced with barriers, assurance in times of emptiness, and peace in times of strife.

ALL Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Praise the Lord!

Closing Song

White Flag

Chris Tomlin | Jason Ingram | Matt Maher | Matt Redman, ©2012 sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Said And Done Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Valley Of Songs Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Six Steps BMI Designee (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) West Main Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) Windsor Hill Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC)

Where I Belong

Jason Ingram & Jason Roy, ©2010 Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) West Main Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) Windsor Hill Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC)

Nothing Is Impossible

Jonathan Hunt © 2008 Planet Shakers Ministries Int. Inc. (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Our God

Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Jonas Myrin, & Matt Redman, ©2010 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Said And Done Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) SHOUT! Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

[Traditional Options]

On Eagles’ Wings

BH 91 71; CHH 77; ELW 787; LSB 727; UMH 143; WOV 779; WR 438

Faith of Our Fathers

BH 75 143; BH 91 352; CH 404; CHH 635; EH 558; ELW 812; HWC 279; HFG 526; HLC 206; HGP 500; HSP 161; LBW 500; NCH 381; RH 413; STTL 639; WC 692; UMH 710; WAR 530; WHM 330; WIS 413

All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name

BH 75 40,41,42; BH 91 200,201, 202; CH 16,43; CHH 91,92; EH 450,451; ELW 634; HWC 96,97; HPW 19; HFG 325,326,327; HLC 62,63; HGP 20,21; HSP 2,3,4; LBW 328,329; LSB 549; LW 272; NCH 304; PH 142,143; RH 30,31; STTL 124,126; WC 93,95; UMH 154,155; WAR 100,106; WHM 4,5; WIS 10,11

SSS – SERMON STARTERS & SEASONINGS

These ideas are intended to provide material and stimulus for your own creativity

”Keep On Keeping On!”

Luke 13:31-35

Living in this world is challenging. We all know it is not easy and it is especially hard at certain times in our lives. We can easily get discouraged and want to give up during the race of life. Sometimes it is people who put up barriers in our way. The Bible is filled with stories and examples of people just like us who felt the same way. We see that strength, courage, faith, and hope came to those people from God and they were able to keep on keeping on! Jesus had a mission to fulfill and there were even some who tried hard to keep Jesus from staying on course. He knew that his mission was from God, the Father, and it would change the world forever. Nothing would get in the way of fulfilling the plan of salvation for humanity.

Theological Reflections and Practical Applications

VERSES 31-35: JESUS' JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM

Luke earlier introduced Jesus' journey to Jerusalem with the words, "It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem" (9:51). This journey will continue until Jesus reaches Jerusalem at 19:28. Our Gospel lesson for this week shows Jesus in the midst of that journey –– doing his work –– unafraid of danger –– confident of the outcome –– and yet saddened by the response of Jerusalem.

VERSES 31-33: THE THIRD DAY

31On that same day, some Pharisees came, saying to him, "Get out (Greek: poreuou) of here, and go away, for Herod wants to kill you." 32He said to them, "Go (Greek: poreuthentes) and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I complete my mission (Greek: teleioumai). 33Nevertheless I must (Greek: dei –– it is necessary –– implies God's will) go on my way (Greek: poreuesthai) today and tomorrow and the next day, for it can't be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem.'"

"On that same day, some Pharisees came" (v. 31a) links this text to that which precedes it –– a passage where some asked, "Lord, are they few who are saved?" (v. 23) and Jesus responded by saying that many in Israel will be excluded from the kingdom while many Gentiles will be included (vv. 23-30).

"Get out of here, and go away (poreuou), for Herod wants to kill you" (v. 31b). This is Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great. The question is whether the Pharisees are honestly trying to warn Jesus or are simply trying to frighten him so that he will reduce his public profile. In Luke's writings, Pharisees are not always Jesus' opponents (see 7:36; 11:37; 14:1; 23:50; Acts 5:34-39; 15:5; 23:6).

However, our understanding of this passage does not depend on whether it is Herod, the Pharisees, or both who pose a danger to Jesus. Presumably Jesus knows the real danger, but is undeterred. He will neither flee from Herod nor allow the Pharisees to dissuade him. He has work to do –– "today and tomorrow, and the third day I complete my mission" (v. 32).

"Go (poreuthentes) and tell that fox" (v. 32a). Fox can be "an epithet for a crafty or sly person" or a term of contempt.

"the third day" (v. 32b). Luke frequently uses this phrase to refer to Jesus' resurrection (9:22; 18:33; 24:7, 21, 46; Acts 10:40).

"I complete my mission" (teleioumai – from teleioo) (v. 32b). This is the word that Jesus will use on the cross when he says "It is finished" (John 19:30). This combination of "on the third day" and teleioumai clearly points toward the cross.

"on my way (poreuesthai) today and tomorrow and the next day" (poreuesthai – "go") (v. 33a). The Greek dei implies God's will. Jesus will not be the victim of random violence, but is participating in the will of God.

"for it can't be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem" (v. 33b) –– "i.e., it is not destined that Herod will kill me, but that Jerusalem will”.

VERSES 34-35: JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem" (v. 34a). This is "the first of four laments for Jerusalem... in Luke's Gospel (13:31-35; 19:41-44; 21:20-24; 23:27-31)"

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem!" The repetition of a name often signifies painful grief or great frustration (see 2 Samuel 18:33; Luke 10:41; 22:31). Here it is a cry of grief reflecting the broken heart of one who could save the beloved, but is prevented by the beloved's recalcitrance.

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets" (v. 34a). Note the irony! Jerusalem is the Holy City. Nevertheless Jesus says that it, "kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her!" While this refers to the people of Jerusalem proper, it also refers more broadly to Israel as well. (see 2 Chronicles 24:20-22; Jeremiah 26:20-23; 38:4-6; Amos 7:10-17).

"How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings, and you refused" (v. 34b). Jesus assures Jerusalem that he longs to give them this protective care, but they are not willing to receive it.

"Behold, your house is left to you desolate" (v. 35a). In 587 B.C., God abandoned Jerusalem to destruction by Babylonia. Now Jesus says that Jerusalem will once again be left to its own devices. Having rejected God's ways and God's son, it will face danger without God's help. By the time that Luke writes this Gospel, Jerusalem will lie in ruins.

However, "This does not...mean the end of God's concern for the Jews, any more than had the destruction of Jerusalem in the sixth century and the exile period in Babylon.”

"I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'" (v. 35b). The quotation is from Psalm 118:26. At Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we will hear these words again, but it will not be Jerusalem but Jesus' disciples who say, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" (19:37-38). 1

SOURCE: 1 Sermon Writer: Resources for Lectionary Preaching, Richard Donovan, Publisher

Quotations

Saints are sinners who kept on going.

Robert Louis Stevenson

I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

Author Unknown

Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down.

Charles F. Kettering

The race does not always go to the swift, but to the ones who keep running.

Anonymous

Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you're not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not demanding more from yourself -- expanding and learning as you go - you're choosing a numb existence. You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip.

Dean Karnazes

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.

Walter Elliot

Illustrations

WALT DISNEY'S LEADERSHIP

Walt Disney was a remarkable man of vision. He never gave up. Early in his career a newspaper fired him because they thought he had "no good ideas". That just made Disney try harder. When he was starting out in Kansas City he couldn't sell his cartoons. Some hinted that he had no talent but Walt Disney had a dream so he set out to conquer his foes. He found a minister who paid him a small amount to draw advertising pictures for his church. Disney had no place to stay, so that the church let him sleep in the mouse-infested garage. One of those mice which Disney nicknamed Mickey, became famous -- as the world knows.

The early days were tough; but that remarkable, creative visionary refused to give up. Walt would occasionally present some unbelievable, extensive dream to his board about and idea he was entertaining. Almost without exception, the members of his board would gulp, blink, and stare back at him in disbelief, resisting even the thought of such a thing. But unless every member resisted the idea, Disney usually didn't pursue it. Yes, you heard me correctly. Unless everyone RESISTED the idea he would not take it. The challenge wasn't big enough to merit his time and creative energy unless they were unanimously in disagreement! Is it any wonder that Disneyland and Disney World are now realities? This type of faith is required for visionaries in business -- but also for us as Christians. Like Disney we need to dream big and trust in God for the impossible.

When Walt Disney World in Orlando ,FL. opened in 1974, Mrs. Disney was sitting beside Walter Cronkite. Walt Disney has passed away a few years earlier. Walter Cronkite wanted to say just the right thing to Mrs. Disney, so he leaned over to her and said, "Wouldn't it be great if Walt were here to see this today." Mrs. Disney wisely replied, "If Walt had not first seen this you would not be seeing it today."

SOURCE: Stephen Sheane in “Dry Bones” on

Dry Bones, 8/18/2010)

The year was 1980, Bill Brodherst who hadn’t ran in any race since his high school days decided to begin training for a marathon known as the Pepsi Challenge 10k in Omaha Nebraska. Sending in his application, he wasn’t sure they would accept him as a participant, but soon the approval came back and he was a designated part of the running pack. His major reason for wanting to be in this race was that Bill Rodgers, a nationally known runner was also competing in the challenge and Brodherst wanted to be able to tell others that he had run in a race beside the great Bill Rodgers.

The reason that Brodherst had not run in races since his high school days was that he had been cruelly struck down in the prime of his life with an aneurysm that caused doctors to question if he would ever walk, let alone run. But with determination that only a few may ever understand, Mr. Brodherst continually took on the impossible and met the challenge. Eventually he did learn to walk... but always with a need to drag on foot behind him as he progressed. His running was not much different. One foot ahead, drag the other up... one foot ahead, drag the other up.

At the beginning of the race Brodherst joined the other runners and as the gun went off, the hundreds of competitors trotted off and Bill slowly followed. For a while he could still see them in the distance, and then the crowds cheered him on for a while. Eventually, he heard the sounds of their feet... coming back towards him and towards the finish line. Then the crowds gradually disappeared, and Bill Brodherst ran on alone towards the halfway point. When he reached he found that everyone had left, assuming their were no other runners. But Brodherst doggedly half ran, half dragged himself to the marker and placed his hands on it so that there would be no question that he had reached that destination.

Turning and making his way back toward the final marker he found that he was the forgotten man: the police stayed with him for a while but then they had to leave to return to their duties. Children came out to taunt and imitate him as he painfully made his way on. The markers that had laid out the course had been taken down. But Brodherst trudged on to the goal. Finally, it was in sight... although the crowds had disappeared and all that was left was the line that had painted on the street. Bill Brodherst struggled on with no one to watch his victory over his personal obstacles and he crossed the line several hours after he had begun the race.

Then out of the alley came a sound of applause and cheering and out came several of the race’s participants... led by Bill Rodgers - who had won the event. Rushing forward, they took Brodherst up on their shoulders and carried him for a distance and then set him down. Then Bill Rodgers took the medal that he had won from around his own neck and placed on over the head of Bill Brodherst saying "you’re the real winner of this race."

SOURCE: Jeff Strite in “Technicolor Faith - How to Succeed at Almost Anything” on

STAY THE COURSE

The 2000 movie, The Patriot starred Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin, a reluctant Revolutionary War hero.

Martin has an 18-year-old son named Gabriel who is eager to join the conflict.

Gabriel’s sentiments for his country are revealed by one pastime: throughout the first half of the movie, Gabriel diligently repairs an American flag he found in the dirt.

Tragically, Gabriel becomes a casualty of the war, and, suffering deep loss, his father Benjamin Martin appears ready to quit the cause.

While Martin is grieving at the side of his dead son, Colonel Harry Burwell, a Continental officer, attempts to persuade Martin not to quit.

He recognizes Martin has great influence with the soldiers and his departure would demoralize the troops.

As the scene opens, the colonel says, "Stay the course, Martin. Stay the course."

Grief-stricken, Martin responds, "I’ve run the course."

Resigned to the outcome, the colonel informs the troops and they ride on, leaving Martin behind.

As Martin loads his son’s personal effects on his horse, though, he finds the American flag Gabriel had successfully restored.

As the dejected soldiers ride away, certain they have seen the last of Benjamin Martin, Martin appears in the distance, carrying the flag.

With determination in his posture, he rides upright in his saddle, face like flint, the Stars and Stripes whipping in the wind.

Martin has been a symbol of perseverance for the men, and there is a triumphant shout of both relief and excitement from the once-weary troops as they see the patriot crest the hill.

Whether leaders at home, school, work or church, we must never underestimate the power of our influence to demoralize or to rally others.

People are watching. Soldiers look to officers.

Children look to parents.

We must stay the course.

SOURCE: Ted Coget in “Mark #2: Uncommon Commitment” on

Video Resources

The Story of Nick Vujicic by buckheadcreative

Derek Redmond by living4HIMmedia

CITED RESOURCES FOR

WORSHIP ALIVE PLUS!

Updated 2013

We operate with the understanding that our subscribers own a copyright license through CCLI. [Be advised: does not cover the publishers of the contemporary music suggested below.]

In compliance with copyright laws, lyrics may be downloaded at through your CCLI subscription, and at various other websites included in the Cited Resources list below.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Print Music























Free Charts





mp3 Audio Downloads

mp3

cbdtunes.















HYMNAL CODES

BH75 Baptist Hymnal (1975)

BH91 Baptist Hymnal (1991)

CH Celebration Hymnal (Word)

CHH Chalice Hymnal (Chalice)

EH Episcopal Hymnal (1982)

ELW Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Augsburg)

HPW Hymns for Praise and Worship (Word)

HFG Hymns for the Family of God (Paragon)

HLC Hymns for the Living Church (Hope)

HGP Hymns of Glorious Praise (Gospel Pub House)

HSP Hymns of the Spirit (Pathway)

HS98 Hymnal Supplement 1998 (Concordia)

HWC Hymnal for Worship & Celebration (Word)

LBW Lutheran Book of Worship (Augsburg)

LSB Lutheran Service Book (Concordia)

LW Lutheran Worship (Concordia)

NCH New Century Hymnal (Pilgrim Press)

PH Presbyterian Hymnal (1990)

RH Rejoice Hymnal (Tempo)

RS Ritual Song (G.I.A.)

STTL Sing To The Lord (Lillenas)

TFWS The Faith We Sing (Methodist supplement)

UMH United Methodist Hymnal (1989)

WC The Worshipping Church (Hope)

WOV With One Voice (Augsburg)

WAR Worship and Rejoice (Hope)

WHM Worship His Majesty (Gaither)

WIS Worship in Song (Lillenas)

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