It’s a funny thing coming back from India…My body still thinks I’m taking a nap when I go to sleep at night, so I wake up every two hours thinking it’s time to get up. I’m sure I’ll adjust eventually…
There are many things I’m looking forward to discussing on the blog in the coming months, but at this point I wanted to make you aware of an event we’ll be hosting August 9-12 , 2006 here in Gaithersburg, Maryland. We’re calling it the WorshipGod06 Conference: The Glory of His Presence. It’s our fourth bi-annual conference related to the topic of music and biblical worship. This year the main messages will focus on the topic of God’s presence.
In Scripture God is described as being present everywhere ( Ps. 139Psalm 139
[139:1]O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
[2]You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
[3]You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
[4]Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
[5]You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
[6]Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
[7]Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
[8]If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
[9]If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
[10]even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
[11]If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
[12]even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
[13]For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
[14]I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
[15]My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
[16]Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
[17]How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
[18]If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
[19]Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
[20]They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
[21]Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
[22]I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
[23]Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
[24]And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
:-7-8), and yet we are also encouraged to seek His presence continually ( Ps. 105:4Psalm 105:4
[4]Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
). Most Christians would acknowledge that there are times God "seems" more present than others, and yet pursuing a "feeling" of God’s presence can lead down some fruitless and potentially dangerous paths. At the conference we’ll seek to gain a more biblical perspective on God’s presence, and understand how to both celebrate and pursue God’s active presence when we meet. Most of the speakers will be Sovereign Grace pastors, with the exception of Randy Alcorn of Eternal Perspective Ministries, who will be addressing the issue of how anticipating God’s presence in heaven should affect our lives now.
We’ll also be joined by Keith and Kristyn Getty, who will be working primarily with songwriters and particpating in the musical leadership. Last October we had Keith and Kristyn (along with Stuart Townend) in for an evening concert. I was both inspired and challenged by their desire to write theologically rich songs that help the church grow in a love for our Savior. Keith has co-written a number of songs with Kristyn, and also with Stuart Townend. Probably their best known collaboration is In Christ Alone.
While the conference is intended for those who serve in pastoral and musical leadership in the church, anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of and love for God will benefit. More information can be found at the WorshipGod06 website. I’d be delighted to meet some of you there.
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Thanks for the heads-up, Bob. We’re working to try to bring a couple guys… And looking forward to it!
Comment by Brian — March 22, 2006 @ 10:02 am
I’ve been hunting for a good conference with both biblical and practical food. After purchasing so many break out sessions from years past, I know this year will be great. If anyone is going from the Chattanooga, TN area, please contact me - I could use a sounding board for the conference.
Comment by Drew — March 23, 2006 @ 5:46 pm
Drew,
One of the nice things about the ‘04 conference is that they had times where people from different regions could get together and hang out, or discuss the conference. I’m not sure if they’ll do the same thing this year (hint, hint), but it was great then!
K-
Comment by Kyle — March 23, 2006 @ 10:47 pm