Worship

Woe.

by Mark Sorensen April 1, 2014April 1, 2014

Maybe you have seen it? It’s that picture of Jesus that hangs in countless numbers of church sunday school classrooms around the country. You know which one I am talking about, right? The one where …

Christianity Encouragement God Worship

Stuffed.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on March 26, 2014March 26, 2014

I’ll just go on the record and say it: I’m a terrible cook. Now, let me clarify. I wouldn’t say that the food I prepare is bad, per se, but here’s where I seem to …

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Not Ashamed.

by Mark Sorensen March 7, 2014March 7, 2014

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16 In the forty minutes it took to wind through the streets …

Christianity Encouragement God Humor Jesus Missions Prayer Worship

“He simply sees His people.”

by Mark SorensenUpdated on March 3, 2014March 3, 2014

The morning started early for many in the group. Thanks to a combination of excitement, jet lag, and sleeping schedules messed up, many of us awoke early this morning ready to start the day. Breakfast …

Christianity Encouragement God Missions Prayer Worship

Headphones Off.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on March 2, 2014March 2, 2014

The Lord has a funny way of keeping me centered. Hundreds of seats on this jumbo 777 and I get the seat with the non working headset therefore allowing me to watch the images I …

bible Christianity Encouragement God Humor Prayer Worship

Giants, Battles, and Squirrels, Oh My.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on February 24, 2014February 24, 2014

“What’s up with the squirrel, dad?” This was the greeting we received from our son as he walked in the door of our home having traveled back from the University of Memphis for Christmas break …

Christianity Encouragement God Jesus United Methodist Worship

Missing the Party.

by Mark Sorensen February 17, 2014February 17, 2014

Is there anything quite like a really good story? You know the elements of a good story, right? We meet a character, the scene is set, conflict arises, our hero struggles through the conflict and …

Christianity Encouragement God Humor Jesus Worship

Lessons Learned from Flappy.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on February 11, 2014February 11, 2014

Have you ever been at your favorite Mexican food restaurant and the waiter warns you, “Don’t touch the plate. It’s extremely hot”? Ok, honest show of hands. How many of you actually touch the plate …

Christianity Encouragement God Jesus Worship

Between the Alarm Clock and the Feet on the Floor.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on February 4, 2014February 4, 2014

Some mornings are just harder than others to get out of bed. Ever have those mornings? Actually, it’s those two or three minutes after the alarm clock goes off and before you actually make your feet hit …

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Perspective.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on January 23, 2014January 23, 2014

I’m wrapping up a January intensive through Asbury Theological on the subject of “Mission and Evangelism”. In a reading titled, “The Future of Christian Mission in an Age of World Christianity” by Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, I …

bible Christianity Encouragement God Jesus Worship

10 Minutes, 100 Reps.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on January 14, 2014January 14, 2014

“Don’t just merely listen to the word and so be deceived, do what it says.” -James 1:22 If there’s one thing Houston has introduced me to in the six months I have lived here, it’s learning …

Christianity Encouragement God Worship

Limited View.

by Mark Sorensen January 9, 2014January 9, 2014

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.” And he believed the Lord; and …

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The Prayer of Examen

by Mark SorensenUpdated on January 4, 2014January 3, 2014

Life has been crazy, of late. Working full time as a pastor AS WELL as a full time seminary student tends to lead to a lot of “to-do’s” in my daily calendar. I often find …

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the Advent Journey; Danger.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on December 20, 2013December 20, 2013

I recently came across a letter written by Francis Xavier, a mid 16th century missionary, who wrote to a priest on his perils of his mission to China. In it, he wrote the following: “The …

Advent Christianity Encouragement God Humor Worship

the Advent Journey; Present.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on December 11, 2013December 11, 2013

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). -Matthew 1:23 To say that I have been distracted of late is an understatement. Let me give you …