Psalm 33:1-3
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the Lord with the harp, make music on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song, play skillfully, and shout for joy.
The greatest joy and most fulfilling thing for me is to just love the Lord. Love Him in song, love him while playing my guitar, either with a crowd or by myself. To me, the ultimate love-song, is the one song for Him. The song that, with all heart, shouts praise and worship, from a heart of love to the King of kings, Lord of lords, my Savior Jesus Christ. The song that tells of the love of the Father, that tells of the leading of the Holy Spirit.
But These Songs Are New Everyday
The real beauty in this, is that the songs are not on tape, are not recorded on CD. These songs give birth in the heart, fresh and new everyday. Now as they are birthed, they may become a song that gets recorded, and maybe not a recorded song, maybe just a time of intimate worship with God. But there is one main thing to know, there is also a continual practice of worship that is non-stop. Learning to play "SKILLFULLY" the song of the heart for God. A skillfull player, has had much practice. Practice on learning the instrument in his hands. Stretching in all areas of playing. Same goes with the song, learning to be skillfull in worship, skillfull in our praise. Worship is a day by day love song to the Lord. It is more than music, it is a life-style.
The New Song
With the Lord, each day is fresh and new! With the Lord, our walk is given depth by the worship and praise of our mouths and our hearts. The song is new, because with each day, the skillfull worshiper, finds a new revelation of the fullness of His love. He finds a new reason to bow at the foot of the Savior and raise holy hands and surrender to His awesomeness. With each day, he finds a new revelation that draws him into a deeper relationship with the King of kings. This is because of the deeper understanding of His forgiveness, His healing touch, His deliverance, His love. So the "New Song" finds "New Words and New Meaning." It is a new song of love for the Father.
My grandson, Tucker, has a song he sings which has new meaning with each time I hear him singing it. "All uh ooooh" the most beautiful words that can be sang. It will turn the heart of any who are the recipients of that song. The focus of his heart in that three word song has no question on his meaning. "All uh oooh" simply, "I love you."
The Call to Praise and Worship
This passage from the Psalms is a call to praise and worship! It is a call that is reverberated again by Paul.
Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.
This is a call to allow the song of your heart come forth. You need not be an accomplished singer for this, you just need a heart full of love for the Father. You just need a desire to tell Him of all your love and desire for Him. It is every kind of appropriate song, whether psalms like those of the Old Testament, or hymns directed to God or other contemporary songs that sing of His love and His greatness. It is simply the song in your heart whether written or not. It sings for joy and shouts out to the Lover of our souls.
One day recently, while watching a video of a musician, Yanni, who has written many songs that cause the heart to be happy, joyful, whose music can draw on the strings of your heart, cause you to cry out of love, out of security and peace. It was a statement made by a friend with me, "In just watching him, he reeks of music, his whole body, his movements, and the look in his eyes is a song." Yes, you could see and feel the music coming from his soul. But even while watching this, I thought to myself, the hours of practice, the hours of learning to play this song skillfully. I thought of the mastering of the "Art" of that song, the mastering of the "True Heart" of that song. Does your true heart song say, "All uh oooh"?
Have you mastered the "Art" of the song of the heart? Have you mastered the "True Heart" of the song? You might even say, but I am not a musician, I dont play. Thats not what I am saying here. I am speaking of learning to master the skillfull playing of the heart in worship to the Father. Yes, it is heightened when one plays an instrument. But even non-players, have a song. Even non-singers have a song. One beautiful thing God has given each and everyone of us is a voice, and funny too, a whistle. Do you walk around whistling by chance? God has given each and everyone a way of expressing our heart to Him of our love for Him. Even with a whistle can a song of praise and worship be skillfull played, because its from the heart.
I am reminded of a statement made by Joel Osteen about his father, who would walk around whistling because of the joy in his heart. When he was told the song he whistled was the theme from Andy Griffith, his response was, it is the song I am feeling to sing right now, but the real joy is the song I am singing to the Father.
What is your song? What does your heart sing to the Father? Then , as the psalmist said, "Shout for Joy" this song in your heart! What is your song? Once again, I have to ask, Does your song say, "All uh oooh?"
Monday, July 9, 2007
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
"The Heart of God"
Luke 15 "Parables on the Heart of God"
Jesus told parables that countered out confused picture of God the Father. In three of these parables, Jesus dealt with our inclination to focus more on our guilt than on God's grace.
"The Parable of the Lost Sheep" (Luke 15:1-7)
It reveals that in the heart of God "No one is Unimportant." God is never so preoccupied with "saved" people that He is unconcerned about the one who is at risk. Instead, he will leave the 99 and go find that one sheep. When found, He carries that sheep back to the fold.
In one major way, this is our reason for Praise and Worship. We have a Savior, a Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, who cares so much about us, He reaches out continually to bring us in. WE have a great need to understand that we are each and every one, a precious sheep in His eyes!
Notice close, "And when he finds it, he JOYFULLY puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors and says, 'Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep." There is in no way an attitude of exclusiveness in God's heart. In other words, when others will not reach out, He will. When love is in short supply, His is full. There is great joy in God's heart, as there is great joy in heaven, each time a lost sheep is found.
Yes, this speaks of sinners, turning from their way, and coming to the Lord. But, also, this is sheep who already are in the fold, and wander off, slip and slide on the roadside, and are led astray by some circumstance or situtaion. His heart rejoices over the fact, we are IMPORTANT and the fact that we are FOUND. We are never "unimportant."
"The Parable of the Lost Coin" (Luke 15:8-10)
Here, we learn and see God's glad anticipation of being "REUNITED" in a working partnership with us. We need to learn that the reason for the woman's eagerness to find the lost coin is that it was on the order of an engagement ring, a part of a set of 10 coins woven together as a necklace at her wedding. That coin, speaks of her value to her husband. Who she is in his eyes.
It also, speaks the same from her father, in the same way.
Note close, the significance is that often, shamed by our sin, we may run and hide from God, oblivious to His love but also unaware that He sees us as desirable, needed to complete a set. He has plans that include us, and without us, His plan is crippled. The rejoicing, is because we are desired and valued by the Father's heart.
"The Parable of the Lost Son" (Luke 15:11-24)
Here we see God's plans for "Complete Restoration." This is a glimpse into God's heart, revealing a Father who is WAITING for the son's return. He does not make the son grovel at his feet, does not half heartedly accept the son's approach, and he does not hold him at an arm's length to test him for sincerity. Instead, he gives a warm, glad and immediate embrace, the best robe, gold ring, sandals and a jubilant "welcome home" party.
The heart of the Father is this, Glad and rejoicing that you are home!
Here are three reasons for our need of Praise and Worship. Three reasons that show His love and care, as well as His concern for us personally! You are greatly loved! You are desired!
You are Needed! God's heart is about each and everyone of us individually, and includes us into His plans. You are the apple of His eye!
Jesus told parables that countered out confused picture of God the Father. In three of these parables, Jesus dealt with our inclination to focus more on our guilt than on God's grace.
"The Parable of the Lost Sheep" (Luke 15:1-7)
It reveals that in the heart of God "No one is Unimportant." God is never so preoccupied with "saved" people that He is unconcerned about the one who is at risk. Instead, he will leave the 99 and go find that one sheep. When found, He carries that sheep back to the fold.
In one major way, this is our reason for Praise and Worship. We have a Savior, a Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, who cares so much about us, He reaches out continually to bring us in. WE have a great need to understand that we are each and every one, a precious sheep in His eyes!
Notice close, "And when he finds it, he JOYFULLY puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors and says, 'Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep." There is in no way an attitude of exclusiveness in God's heart. In other words, when others will not reach out, He will. When love is in short supply, His is full. There is great joy in God's heart, as there is great joy in heaven, each time a lost sheep is found.
Yes, this speaks of sinners, turning from their way, and coming to the Lord. But, also, this is sheep who already are in the fold, and wander off, slip and slide on the roadside, and are led astray by some circumstance or situtaion. His heart rejoices over the fact, we are IMPORTANT and the fact that we are FOUND. We are never "unimportant."
"The Parable of the Lost Coin" (Luke 15:8-10)
Here, we learn and see God's glad anticipation of being "REUNITED" in a working partnership with us. We need to learn that the reason for the woman's eagerness to find the lost coin is that it was on the order of an engagement ring, a part of a set of 10 coins woven together as a necklace at her wedding. That coin, speaks of her value to her husband. Who she is in his eyes.
It also, speaks the same from her father, in the same way.
Note close, the significance is that often, shamed by our sin, we may run and hide from God, oblivious to His love but also unaware that He sees us as desirable, needed to complete a set. He has plans that include us, and without us, His plan is crippled. The rejoicing, is because we are desired and valued by the Father's heart.
"The Parable of the Lost Son" (Luke 15:11-24)
Here we see God's plans for "Complete Restoration." This is a glimpse into God's heart, revealing a Father who is WAITING for the son's return. He does not make the son grovel at his feet, does not half heartedly accept the son's approach, and he does not hold him at an arm's length to test him for sincerity. Instead, he gives a warm, glad and immediate embrace, the best robe, gold ring, sandals and a jubilant "welcome home" party.
The heart of the Father is this, Glad and rejoicing that you are home!
Here are three reasons for our need of Praise and Worship. Three reasons that show His love and care, as well as His concern for us personally! You are greatly loved! You are desired!
You are Needed! God's heart is about each and everyone of us individually, and includes us into His plans. You are the apple of His eye!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
You Just Cannot be Silent Anymore!
With Such Love the Father Reached out For You.
With the Father doing this for each and everyone of us, why are we so silent? Why are we asleep when we need so much to be awake to all that is going on around us? So many desire with everything in them to strip us of this that we hold so precious, our faith, prayer, His Word, His Commands, and we are silent to it, we dont speak up, why is this?
There are those who say that we offend with the ways of the Lord. What if for a moment we spoke up and say that the world and its ways offend us? But still, why are we so silent? Why don't we proclaim from the rooftops, from the mountains, that Jesus Christ is Lord of lords, and King of kings? Its past time that the Church wake up! Its past time that we stop allowing our "freedom" in Christ to be stolen! Its time more than ever before, to be loud about this Love that is beyond all loves!
The picture you see, is a pencil drawing that came to our office from an inmate in prison. I believe it is a loud statement of love. It was something that was deep in the heart of this person who may have been inspired by a message of love from a ministry who came to the unit where he was at. When this came to us, I found myself taken by the detail in the drawing. From the scar in His hand, to the tree of life in our hand. With this picture, I will say that I can preach a message about what it is that God has done for us! You see, I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, rather I am thankful! Are you thankful? Can you speak up loudly about the Love that was demonstrated on that Cross at Calvary?
When there are many who in other countries who have been threatened, killed because of their faith, told to shut down their churches or be destroyed, we can not sit back and say nothing! We have to speak up! If we dont, then that very thing will be on our doorstep! Trust me, its presence is here! Just remember what took place not too long ago, 9/11.. We were silent when other freedoms were stripped! We cannot be silent any more! No prayer here, can't preach there, the commandments removed, and the Church did not stand up. Where are you people of God?
I Refuse to be Silent!
As a minister of the Gospel of Christ, I refuse to be silent! But let me ask, what about you? When God the Father spoke so loudly from that Cross, does it not move you? That drawing is not just a picture, it is a statement! Let me ask, is your life a statement? If so, what about? And if so, how loud? Stand up for the truth! Share the REAL truth! Jesus loves and He saves!!
Recently a question was asked of many students in college, a simple yes or no question. The results were horrible, some 80% answered "NO" to the question, "Are you born-again?" This is scary, in the fact that so many lay down each night without the reality of what life is all about. This is sad too, because too many who do know are being too quiet. Church, you just cannot be silent anymore! Lives of many need to know this one truth, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish" (John 3:16). Yes, granted each individual has a right to say no to this truth, but many need to hear it, and the Church needs to speak it!
Others Need to Hear!
For the lives of others, and for the freedom of others, we, the Body of Christ need to spread this truth loudly! The truth that there is a hand that reaches out to everyone of us with love and life, that He can only bring. Be bold, be strong, be loud about His love!! Somewhere there is a life that simply needs to know this Love, may even be next door of where you live. May even be where you work everyday. May be where you go and associate daily. May even be sitting across from you at the table every night! As the one songwriter best put it, "Jesus is standing at the door knocking, and we can't even get out of bed!" This is a shame!!! May I quote another song, "Get up! Stand up! Stand up for your right!" DONT GIVE UP THE FIGHT!! It is the fight for freedom! It is the fight for life! It is a fight for love! Many need it, WILL YOU GO?
Saturday, June 16, 2007
"Our God is a Consuming Fire"
Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we are recieving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Since we are recieving a kingdom that cannot be shaken...
This is something that should ring in your heart, stir your spirit, rattle your inner being. We are looking in the face of God, we are worshiping the One Who is the Almighty, and through Him, "We are RECIEVING a kingdom that cannot be shaken! It is all His! His is the kingdom, it belongs to Him! Its the Kingdom of God! Its "HEAVEN" where one day we will live for all enternity! Are you ready?
The inheritance that belongs to Christians and the awesomness of God make worship and grateful prayer our logical actions. Listen, it says since we are recieving this kingdom, "LET US BE THANKFUL..." One translation states, "Let us have grace.." We are to be thankful and in grace, whereby we may serve God "ACCEPTABLY." By that, we are to be, well-pleasing in serving Him. This is to be with "reverence and awe" or "with reverence and godly fear." One other way to put it would be, with "reverent caution," lest we should offend God. Our worship is in reverent caution, it is with grace and very thankful.
In these blogs, we have been dealing with "Aggressive Worship." We have looked at several short lessons concerning this topic. But within this lesson comes a deeper thought. In our worship, is this where we are? Are we thankful? Are we in grace serving God acceptably? Are we well-pleasing in serving Him? This cuts deep, for many do not comprehend the depth of this one fact. Many do not wish to comprehend. But we have great need in so doing. This should be the greatest desire of our hearts in our worship of God. The reason is found in verse 29.
"For our God is a consuming fire."
A reference to this verse is found in (Deut. 4:24) "For the Lord God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God." This sounds scary, as well as it should. But there is a beautiful thought within this. His fire may bring judgment to the wicked, but it builds humility, faith and purity in those who seek an even deeper relationship with Him. He will often use our circumstances, our problems, failures, maybe people in our lives... as fuel for this "REFINING FIRE," but His flames never burn out of control. It burns and it builds. As gold being set ablaze to bring out the pureness of the gold, God wants to burn away the dross of our lives, and bring forth purity within, faith within, and humility within.
When Scriptures speak of God as a jealous God. it means that He desires us in the purest and most relentless way. His is a jealousy that humankind can never know, for God is the only one who has a right to be jealous, because He is the only one who is perfect in love. His jealousy is not controlling, it is releasing. It is His Holy commitment to us. It is because of His deep love for us, and His deep desire for us. But we also need to know, His jealousy is an absolute intolerance of anything that would divide our affection and thereby forfeit His best for us. Therefore,nothing in any way should come between our relationship with Him. Nothing should, in any way, be allowed that can offend this jealous love.
He wants "ALL" of us, not just a little.
I am reminded of an old poem, penned by St. John of the Cross, "Living Flame of Love." Its a fire that burns, yet molds. Even as we said, it never burns out of control, but even its temperature is kept where His best is the result. Its a fire that as we allow it to shape us, He is the result that comes forth.
You are deeply loved! Allow that fire to burn deep into your soul. You will never be the same!
Allow Him to set your life on fire!!!!
Therefore, since we are recieving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Since we are recieving a kingdom that cannot be shaken...
This is something that should ring in your heart, stir your spirit, rattle your inner being. We are looking in the face of God, we are worshiping the One Who is the Almighty, and through Him, "We are RECIEVING a kingdom that cannot be shaken! It is all His! His is the kingdom, it belongs to Him! Its the Kingdom of God! Its "HEAVEN" where one day we will live for all enternity! Are you ready?
The inheritance that belongs to Christians and the awesomness of God make worship and grateful prayer our logical actions. Listen, it says since we are recieving this kingdom, "LET US BE THANKFUL..." One translation states, "Let us have grace.." We are to be thankful and in grace, whereby we may serve God "ACCEPTABLY." By that, we are to be, well-pleasing in serving Him. This is to be with "reverence and awe" or "with reverence and godly fear." One other way to put it would be, with "reverent caution," lest we should offend God. Our worship is in reverent caution, it is with grace and very thankful.
In these blogs, we have been dealing with "Aggressive Worship." We have looked at several short lessons concerning this topic. But within this lesson comes a deeper thought. In our worship, is this where we are? Are we thankful? Are we in grace serving God acceptably? Are we well-pleasing in serving Him? This cuts deep, for many do not comprehend the depth of this one fact. Many do not wish to comprehend. But we have great need in so doing. This should be the greatest desire of our hearts in our worship of God. The reason is found in verse 29.
"For our God is a consuming fire."
A reference to this verse is found in (Deut. 4:24) "For the Lord God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God." This sounds scary, as well as it should. But there is a beautiful thought within this. His fire may bring judgment to the wicked, but it builds humility, faith and purity in those who seek an even deeper relationship with Him. He will often use our circumstances, our problems, failures, maybe people in our lives... as fuel for this "REFINING FIRE," but His flames never burn out of control. It burns and it builds. As gold being set ablaze to bring out the pureness of the gold, God wants to burn away the dross of our lives, and bring forth purity within, faith within, and humility within.
When Scriptures speak of God as a jealous God. it means that He desires us in the purest and most relentless way. His is a jealousy that humankind can never know, for God is the only one who has a right to be jealous, because He is the only one who is perfect in love. His jealousy is not controlling, it is releasing. It is His Holy commitment to us. It is because of His deep love for us, and His deep desire for us. But we also need to know, His jealousy is an absolute intolerance of anything that would divide our affection and thereby forfeit His best for us. Therefore,nothing in any way should come between our relationship with Him. Nothing should, in any way, be allowed that can offend this jealous love.
He wants "ALL" of us, not just a little.
I am reminded of an old poem, penned by St. John of the Cross, "Living Flame of Love." Its a fire that burns, yet molds. Even as we said, it never burns out of control, but even its temperature is kept where His best is the result. Its a fire that as we allow it to shape us, He is the result that comes forth.
You are deeply loved! Allow that fire to burn deep into your soul. You will never be the same!
Allow Him to set your life on fire!!!!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
"Worship: The Weapon of Our Warfare"
2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
Do you ever think that what we have, as His children, the Worship of His Name, the Praise of our lips, for the One Who is Mighty in Power and Who is Holy, is a weapon of warfare? I am speaking that, Worship is a weapon of our warfare. His praise is a weapon of warfare. As the Scripture tells us "for PULLING down strongholds."
Let me ask you: Does praising the Lord as a line of defense seems to be real to you? Trust me, it is! The binds of bondage are broken completely through praise and worship.
I, again, am reminded of Psalm 144:1 "Praise be to God! Who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." This passage is a verse we use in our "Guitar Seminars" that we conduct off and on throughout the year. Notice, war & battle, this tells me that our praise and our worship is warfare. But also tells me that HE has trained us! In that, I can see that His power is there to break these bondages and these binds!
On a 3x5 card, write encouraging words such as, "The weapon of His people is praise." Carry this card with you for a few days, taking it out and reading it frequently to refresh your memory. Then see how much impact this simple thought has on your life, your spirit, and even your mind! It will transform you completely!
We need to be caught up in the realm of spiritual truth, that we remain at our post of praise, even in times of difficult situations. That we remain focused in these times through worship and praise.
I will never forget a time while out ministering in a nursing home, that we met a lady, Emma.
Emma was up in age, very small and quiet. She loved to praise God. One day as we went in for a service, Emma was missing. When we asked about her, we were told that she was sick and couldnt come out. So a visit was in line to check in on her. As we came to where Emma was at, we heard her praying. Her prayer was more praise and worship. But when she addressed the devil in her prayer and let him know that God was her strongtower, that she was His child, that she trusted in Him. I recall this sound, almost like an audio feed, was as if we could hear in the spirit, if you will. Emma stated, "In the Name of Jesus, and by His Blood, devil, GO!" We heard this scream, it wasnt Emma. it wasnt anyone in the home. It was a spiritual scream that made one say like T.L Osborne would say, "poor devil." I will add, he doesnt have a chance when a child of God KNOWS who they are.
You have a weapon of warfare in worship and in praise! Use it! Go for God! Stand strong in Him!Being aggressive in worship, is being ready for warfare. But this readiness, is in His strength and in His might and power.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
Do you ever think that what we have, as His children, the Worship of His Name, the Praise of our lips, for the One Who is Mighty in Power and Who is Holy, is a weapon of warfare? I am speaking that, Worship is a weapon of our warfare. His praise is a weapon of warfare. As the Scripture tells us "for PULLING down strongholds."
Let me ask you: Does praising the Lord as a line of defense seems to be real to you? Trust me, it is! The binds of bondage are broken completely through praise and worship.
I, again, am reminded of Psalm 144:1 "Praise be to God! Who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." This passage is a verse we use in our "Guitar Seminars" that we conduct off and on throughout the year. Notice, war & battle, this tells me that our praise and our worship is warfare. But also tells me that HE has trained us! In that, I can see that His power is there to break these bondages and these binds!
On a 3x5 card, write encouraging words such as, "The weapon of His people is praise." Carry this card with you for a few days, taking it out and reading it frequently to refresh your memory. Then see how much impact this simple thought has on your life, your spirit, and even your mind! It will transform you completely!
We need to be caught up in the realm of spiritual truth, that we remain at our post of praise, even in times of difficult situations. That we remain focused in these times through worship and praise.
I will never forget a time while out ministering in a nursing home, that we met a lady, Emma.
Emma was up in age, very small and quiet. She loved to praise God. One day as we went in for a service, Emma was missing. When we asked about her, we were told that she was sick and couldnt come out. So a visit was in line to check in on her. As we came to where Emma was at, we heard her praying. Her prayer was more praise and worship. But when she addressed the devil in her prayer and let him know that God was her strongtower, that she was His child, that she trusted in Him. I recall this sound, almost like an audio feed, was as if we could hear in the spirit, if you will. Emma stated, "In the Name of Jesus, and by His Blood, devil, GO!" We heard this scream, it wasnt Emma. it wasnt anyone in the home. It was a spiritual scream that made one say like T.L Osborne would say, "poor devil." I will add, he doesnt have a chance when a child of God KNOWS who they are.
You have a weapon of warfare in worship and in praise! Use it! Go for God! Stand strong in Him!Being aggressive in worship, is being ready for warfare. But this readiness, is in His strength and in His might and power.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
"The Surrender of Worship"
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God, that you present yourself a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (worship) service
Worship is a sacrifice. It is our laying down our ways, ourselves, totally at the feet of God. Earlier I used it this way, it is when we forcefully throw oursleves at His feet, in full trust, knowing that He is completely in charge.
This sacrifice, is what we present unto God.
By the word "present" note the definition: it means to exhibit, to offer, to give. It is a military word, as in, "present your weapon." Which is when a soldier holds his rifle vertically in front of his body. Here, all the definitions hold the same, but also is added, we "surrender" all that is presented. We "LET GO" of everything. That is the sacrifice!
In a total surrender in worship there is some things we need to learn here. In a military surrender, a step down, if you will. The head is bowed in sign of surrender to the higher power. The hands are held up, showing that there is "NOTHING" in them. In worship, true surrender is, the hands held high, showing that we have nothing to hold on to, and the head bowed bowed low. It is not hands held high and the head held back. Instead, the head is bowed, showing surrender to the higher power.
Have you surrendered in worship? Have you sacrificed ALL that you have presented? Have you lifted those hands, revealing that all has been let go of? Then fall at His feet, bow at His feet, proclaim the worship due Him. Surrender to worship, surrender to His Lordship.
I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God, that you present yourself a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (worship) service
Worship is a sacrifice. It is our laying down our ways, ourselves, totally at the feet of God. Earlier I used it this way, it is when we forcefully throw oursleves at His feet, in full trust, knowing that He is completely in charge.
This sacrifice, is what we present unto God.
By the word "present" note the definition: it means to exhibit, to offer, to give. It is a military word, as in, "present your weapon." Which is when a soldier holds his rifle vertically in front of his body. Here, all the definitions hold the same, but also is added, we "surrender" all that is presented. We "LET GO" of everything. That is the sacrifice!
In a total surrender in worship there is some things we need to learn here. In a military surrender, a step down, if you will. The head is bowed in sign of surrender to the higher power. The hands are held up, showing that there is "NOTHING" in them. In worship, true surrender is, the hands held high, showing that we have nothing to hold on to, and the head bowed bowed low. It is not hands held high and the head held back. Instead, the head is bowed, showing surrender to the higher power.
Have you surrendered in worship? Have you sacrificed ALL that you have presented? Have you lifted those hands, revealing that all has been let go of? Then fall at His feet, bow at His feet, proclaim the worship due Him. Surrender to worship, surrender to His Lordship.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
"Aggressiveness in Worship" Continuing On
If you have been in and out, back and forth, reading these blogs concerning "Aggressiveness in Worship" you are seeing a series of teachings that is continual in growth. As we have stated, several times, God is putting forth a call to His body, to become more aggressive in our worship.
Several times we have seen where God is wanting to start moving in greater ways through "suddenlies." As I have been in prayer, God keeps adding and challenging me with this teaching. Challenges in areas of getting this message out to His body. Challenges with my own personal walk and life. As well as a challenge for you the reader.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God, to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable worship."
Take note: "which is your reasonable worship." Some translations say, "which is your reasonable service." But I am finding that with this word "aggressive" that it is an action word. As was mentioned in meeting recently, it means to "violently be active." The word means: ready to fight, ready to undertake direct action, militant, bold and active. So with that in mind, notice what happens when that word is used in this verse of Scripture.
I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God, to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your aggressive worship.
Brings out a flavor here that needs to be given attention. Here is why. Initially, the passage used in this teaching was Psalm 149:5-6.
Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in the hands.
This double-edged sword is being called: "the Sword of Worship." But if you read on the rest of Psalm 149, you get the reason "WHY" this is aggressive worship. You see clearly what God is up too and what He is wanting to "SUDDENLY" do in and through and with His Body.
To inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them.. This is the GLORY of all His faithful people. Psalm 149:7-9
Listen close here. There are many who being held in bondage to sin. There are many in a prison that has no walls. The things, the spirits, that are holding these, need more more than ever to be aggressively attacked. Remember, Scripture tells us, "For we wrestle NOT against flesh and blood, BUT against principlaties" (Eph 6:12). The Bible calls them "authotities, powers of this dark world, spiritual forces in heavenly realms." These are the very ones that need this punishment, these are the ones whose "kings" need to be bound with fetters, shackles of iron. These are the ones who need this sentance carried out against. For these rulers, these spiritual forces, are attacking people all over, and with that God is asking His body: Who will stand up? Who will lift high the banner of freedom?
There are so many who under attack, the question here is: Will we let them die? Fend for themselves? Are we turning a blind eye to the ones whom He gave His life for? Are we asleep while Jesus is knocking at the door? God is preparing an army, "warriors of the Cross!" Those who are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, and those who will be aggressive in worship, swinging the Sword of Worship, intercessors for the many who need freedom from chains, those who will speak with prophectic utterance the truth of deliverance and salvation!
Where are you? Where are the warriors? Where are the intercessors? Where are the "TRUE" worshipers of God? Those who worship in SPIRIT and in TRUTH (John 4:24). The enemy is attacking. His attack, even on ministries, is to stop the anointing God has placed upon these callings. His attack is kill the people of God. His attack is to "keep us quiet!"
It is TIME! It is TIME!! It is TIME!!! People of God, to wake up! It is time for true worshipers to come forth! It is time to be busy about God's business! Again, where are you? Where are you? The people who are God's people of integrity, and accountability?
Several times we have seen where God is wanting to start moving in greater ways through "suddenlies." As I have been in prayer, God keeps adding and challenging me with this teaching. Challenges in areas of getting this message out to His body. Challenges with my own personal walk and life. As well as a challenge for you the reader.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God, to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable worship."
Take note: "which is your reasonable worship." Some translations say, "which is your reasonable service." But I am finding that with this word "aggressive" that it is an action word. As was mentioned in meeting recently, it means to "violently be active." The word means: ready to fight, ready to undertake direct action, militant, bold and active. So with that in mind, notice what happens when that word is used in this verse of Scripture.
I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God, to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your aggressive worship.
Brings out a flavor here that needs to be given attention. Here is why. Initially, the passage used in this teaching was Psalm 149:5-6.
Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in the hands.
This double-edged sword is being called: "the Sword of Worship." But if you read on the rest of Psalm 149, you get the reason "WHY" this is aggressive worship. You see clearly what God is up too and what He is wanting to "SUDDENLY" do in and through and with His Body.
To inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them.. This is the GLORY of all His faithful people. Psalm 149:7-9
Listen close here. There are many who being held in bondage to sin. There are many in a prison that has no walls. The things, the spirits, that are holding these, need more more than ever to be aggressively attacked. Remember, Scripture tells us, "For we wrestle NOT against flesh and blood, BUT against principlaties" (Eph 6:12). The Bible calls them "authotities, powers of this dark world, spiritual forces in heavenly realms." These are the very ones that need this punishment, these are the ones whose "kings" need to be bound with fetters, shackles of iron. These are the ones who need this sentance carried out against. For these rulers, these spiritual forces, are attacking people all over, and with that God is asking His body: Who will stand up? Who will lift high the banner of freedom?
There are so many who under attack, the question here is: Will we let them die? Fend for themselves? Are we turning a blind eye to the ones whom He gave His life for? Are we asleep while Jesus is knocking at the door? God is preparing an army, "warriors of the Cross!" Those who are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, and those who will be aggressive in worship, swinging the Sword of Worship, intercessors for the many who need freedom from chains, those who will speak with prophectic utterance the truth of deliverance and salvation!
Where are you? Where are the warriors? Where are the intercessors? Where are the "TRUE" worshipers of God? Those who worship in SPIRIT and in TRUTH (John 4:24). The enemy is attacking. His attack, even on ministries, is to stop the anointing God has placed upon these callings. His attack is kill the people of God. His attack is to "keep us quiet!"
It is TIME! It is TIME!! It is TIME!!! People of God, to wake up! It is time for true worshipers to come forth! It is time to be busy about God's business! Again, where are you? Where are you? The people who are God's people of integrity, and accountability?
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