Tag Archive - confession

Worship Confessional – 09.20.09 – “SIN”

September 20, 2009 in Church Planting, Faith, Family, Jenni, Marriage, Ministry, Personal Entries, Worship, Worship Confessional with 37 Comments

Today was a BIG day for us.

We had been asking for prayer because we, Brian and I, were sharing our story.

The Sunday Setlist today was:

  1. Not To Us – Chris Tomlin
  2. O Praise Him – David Crowder
  3. O Worship The King – Chris Tomlin Version
  4. Mighty To Save – Reuben Morgan (Response)

As you can see, we only had three songs (the 4th was in video form at the very end of the service)… because the sermon and our story took the majority of the service.  I usually write about our sets and how the musical/technical portion of our services went in these Worship Confessionals, but today, it’s just MY CONFESSIONAL.

I want to encourage you guys to listen to the complete podcast of the sermon HERE on the Church at Bethany website , but we thought we would post JUST our portion here.  It’s about 20 minutes, so get a drink and get comfortable:

Click here to listen to Our Story.

Though the majority of our support encouraged us and helped propel us forward to share our story, a couple of people tried to talk us out of it.  We know that they were mostly worried for us and were trying to protect us, but in hindsight, we can see that it was Satan using them to try to keep us from sharing what he would have rather kept trapped in the dark.  We say “in hindsight” because today was INCREDIBLY powerful.  In fact, barely any of it was about us.

Brian & JenniYes, we shared OUR story of sin, forgiveness, hope and redemption… but what it really did, was allow people to realize the freedom they had in releasing their demons.

We discovered OUR story was not only OUR story, but so many others.  We had a few couples tell us we basically just told THEIR story.  I never thought God would use OUR story to help release others into the light… into HIS Truth.

Brian and I are SO glad we obeyed.  We put our fear to the side, ignoring Satan’s whispers to hide.  This morning was about SO much more than us.

God is in the business of restoration and healing.

Please continue to pray for our healing… and all those who stepped out of the darkness today.  This is our “Once upon a time…”

Humbly in the Process of Restoration,

Jenni

P.S.  Yes… I still have my job as the Worship Pastor at Church at Bethany.  They have graciously been walking Brian and me through our healing process.

Mike G’s Apology

September 3, 2008 in Ministry, Worship with 0 Comments

He’s come out with a statement.

My opinion was posted on an older post.  Now that some times has passed…

… what are your thoughts?

An Apology

August 22, 2008 in Friends, Personal Entries with 3 Comments

Today, an old friend apologized to me for something that happened a couple of years ago.

First… I have to say that he apologized for something I honestly haven’t even thought about in forever… but when he brought it up, I was surprised how quickly I remembered that day.  

Though his words, at the time, frustrated me (maybe even offended me), I remember them challenging me more.   It caused me to dive deeper into God’s Word for HIS words and purpose… and in the end, made me even more sure that what I was doing was indeed what God has called me to do.  It ended up being more positive than negative… but he still came back, because he felt in his heart, that he had to.

In all honesty, I had forgiven him almost immediately after it had happened.  I knew his intention wasn’t to hurt me… so I really didn’t dwell on it.  

I’m glad I got to tell him that.

I have to say, I was impressed and humbled that he came back to apologize at all… especially since it was so long ago.  I say “humbled” because though I may quickly go back to apologize for something I recently messed up on, I wouldn’t necessarily hunt someone down to bring something “old and forgotten” up.

This is a friend I have always respected – even in the disagreement – and now, I only respect him more.

He took care of business… and that encourages me to do the same. 

What have I done in past years that have hurt or offended people I love (or don’t love)?  What do I need to ask forgiveness for, no matter how old?  Some of you may be getting phone calls soon :)

Here’s my plea to you — if I have done anything in the past to offend you, would you please let me know.  I MAY or MAY NOT know I did it… but I DO want to make it right.  Please email me, even if you just want to give me a piece of your mind.  I’m cool with it :)

Let’s make things right… one person at a time.