Another mass shooting– terrorists around the corner: we live a world of uncertainty with concerns in that back of our thoughts that we or one of our loved ones might be the next victims of this kind or some other senseless tragedy. How are Christians to respond? I believe that God’s Word have much to say on the subject, but I would like to focus on chapters 13-14 of Numbers. I highly recommend Dr. Dennis Cole’s commentary on the book [http://www.amazon.com/Numbers-Exegetical-Theological-Exposition-Commentary/dp/0805495037/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450474478&sr=8-1&keywords=numbers%2C+dennis+cole ]
Because the section is rather lengthy, I will only refer to it and not quote the entire two chapters here. In chapter 13 you will remember, Moses had led the Israelites through the desert from Egypt to the borders of the land which God had promised to give them. Twelve spies are sent out check out the land– Was it good or bad? How are the people, the cities? Notice that Moses’ request implied the possibility of something bad and getting information about the situation was not bad in and of itself— they needed the report in order to adequately plan attacks. So, checking out the situation was not a lack of faith, but at this point, strategic planning.
For 40 days the 12 cover the land and bring back the report: The land and its fruit are indeed great, but 10 of the 12 shared a negative evaluation: [1] the people were more powerful, [2] their cities were too fortified and large, [3] there were giants. Notice that their evaluation only took into account what they thought they could do. They had forgotten all that God had done for them and the miracles that had happened. God knew about the people, the cities, and the giants, but He also knew what He would do if they would but trust Him. Caleb speaks up giving a counter perspective, one that counted on the power of the God that had delivered them, but the 10 countered with repeating and then even adding their own evaluation “ We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” Their focus was on their own ability, but God had never commanded that, but that they trust Him. Their failure to believe was a rejection of the promise of God, and of God, Himself.
Chapter 14 retell the grief of the people weeping all night: “[2-4]. Their focus was on the problem: “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Focusing on the problem and not God made them forget all that God had already done for them. They were “stuck” in thinking only about the giants and walled cities and never mentioned the beatings they had received as slaves in Egypt. Fear, and wrong focus causes us to forget or disregard the negative. Living by fear rather than by faith will lead us to make poor choices.
Moses and Aaron fall down in complete distress at the lack of faith of the people, tearing their clothes as a sign of their grief. God’s people had forgotten all that God had done and were rejecting the promise that God had given them, and in doing so rejecting Him as God. Joshua even tries to persuade the people, but to no avail. God suddenly appears in the cloud in view of all and declares: “How long will they treat me with contempt?”
What does it meant to “treat with contempt?”An online dictionary states: “The feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn. 2. The state of being despised or dishonored” How were the Israelites treating God as inferior, worthless, and dishonored? [http://www.thefreedictionary.com/contempt ] Anytime we disregard what God says, we are responding in contempt of who God is, and God does not take it lightly.
Moses pleads on behalf of God’s honor [Egyptians will say God was not strong enough to do what He said He would do] and on God’s own nature and character: [God is patient, loving, kind, and forgiving]. V. 20-38 What is God’s response? [1] He forgives, but declares the consequences for their disobedience. Here God shows the balance of love and justice. Rather then wipe them all out instantly, they will return to the wilderness where they will die, [something they said that would have been better anyway - v. 2-4], but in the process learn to trust God. The children for whom they feared would be spoils of war will inherit the land, and God will bring glory to Himself in how He accomplishes all of it.
V. 39-45 Once the people heard that they were going to have to wander in the desert for 40 years, they decide that they had made a mistake and were now “ready to obey.” Late obedience is still disobedience. In fact, Moses told them to specifically not to go, but they disobeyed again, proving that they really had not learned their lesson.
What can we learn from this that can help us today? When fears seem to overtake you, or you are facing overwhelming circumstances, here are ten things to ponder and I pray will be of help:
1. God is faithful to His promises, even though we are not; we can trust Him and we can believe He knows what He is doing. God said He would give them the land, they just failed to believe Him.
2. Strategic planning is not a lack of faith as long as at its center is trust in God, not human ability.
3. Caleb did not try to deny the negative but put it in perspective. God was the One that was fighting for them. We do not pretend that the danger does not exist; we place our trust in the One who is our Protector, Provider and God.
4. Lack of faith and negative reports spread like wildfire. We tend to forget what God has done in the past and only worry about the unknown.
5. Failure to believe is a rejection of the promise of God, and of God, Himself. We must focus on God, not the circumstances.
6. When we take our eyes off of God and His power, we are left with the hopelessness of our own efforts. We will become “stuck” and unable to think rightly. We need to refocus on who God is and all that He has done.
7. Living by fear rather than by faith will lead us to make poor choices. We tend to minimize the bad of the past and forget the great things God has brought us through. We must continually remind ourselves of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
8. When we reject God’s commands, we are rejecting His promises as well. In rejecting His commands, we are rejecting Him and all that He wants to do for us and through us. We are showing “contempt” toward God.
9. God will forgive sin if we confess it. However, sin always has consequences. It can be forgiven, but damage done remains as a reminder and a warning to avoid that road that leads only to defeat and despair. Sin affects innocent people related to the sinner. The children under 20 years of age and Joshua and Caleb, who were innocent had to wander in the desert for 40 years, as well. Our sin doesn’t just affect us.
10. God can and will use the consequences for our good and His glory. During the 40 years, the Israelites learned valuable lessons about how to fight, how to trust God and the nations around them became fearful of the God of the Israelites.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
“It’s a good worship song, but......”
Not a rant, but a concern. I heard Bryan And Katie Torwalt’s worship song “Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here,” that for the most part expresses the joy of being in the presence of God in worship. Yet, I have some issues with part of the text:
"Holy Spirit, You are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere...."
I believe that it is worth the time to share some concerns that I believe warrants further study and underscores the need for our worship leaders to take to heart the analysis the text we put on the lips and hearts on those with whom we are leading. Rather than a long discourse, I’ll will just list them:
1. God is the one who takes the initiative in worship, we don't show up and invite God to join us. – Remember that the bush was burning before Moses got there.
2. Since the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, then it is not a matter of "welcoming the Holy Spirit", but acknowledging His presence in our lives. The song, I'm sure, is referencing Pentecost or when the church prayed and the place where they were staying was shaken. But in both accounts, they did not pray for those things, for they did not know they were going to happen as they did. Rather than praying for such an experience, we might should pray for the sensitivity to hear God's voice and the boldness to obey.
3. Praying for the experience is not what the early church did, they prayed for the boldness to share. I realize there are those that will disagree, and that's fine. I just think we are treading on thin ice doctrinally and we get much of our doctrine from what we sing.
This is a topic that needs unpacking:
There are four bases from which we make decisions: God’s Word, history and tradition, human intellect, and personal experience. Though all four are important, nothing should ever take precedence over God’s Word. Throughout history the source for heresies can be traced to getting these out of balance.
For example, let’s say that we have a song that “the Lord gave me.” If we are not careful, then we are saying that the text and music are directly from God, which places it on the same level as God’s Word, or to say it in another way, we have received further revelation from God. Such logic has led to many doctrinal heresies and problems in the Body of Christ. The issue here is that we forget that we have “clay feet” that we are the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve and share in their fallen nature.
We can be sure that any word we receive from God will not contradict what He has already said in His Word. For this reason, then we must pass what we write through the filter of God’s Word: Is what is taught here consistent with the overall teaching of Scripture? Just because the Bible mentions something does not mean that it is teaching it: Scripture mentions that Judas hung himself, but that certainly doesn’t mean that we are to go and do the same.
4. Seeking the experience first puts the cart before the horse. When Daddy comes in from a trip away and has a habit of bringing a surprise to his kids, it doesn’t take long before the kids begin to look forward to what their father is bringing more than himself. We need to be cautious about measuring our worship based on feeling or the level of a given experience. Remember the admonition of Jesus: “Lord, didn’t we cast out demons in your name and perform all kinds of miracles?” And he said to them, “Depart from me for I never knew you.” [Matt. 7:23] The test of our worship is our obedience response to God, not our feelings. We can have an experience outside of the realm of obedience.
5. Because many of the songs we sing come from artists, downloaded from the internet and then sung in our churches the theological filter is absent. I have no doubt about the sincerity of the artist or composers, nor their good intentions, however, I imagine most are not trained in theology. We don’t sing intentions, we sing lyrics, regardless of how sincere. In the days of the use of hymnals one could rely on the fact that a committee on theology had at least reviewed the text of the songs and made adjustments before publication. Now, however, the gates are down and we are dependent on the artists/composers and the theological depth of the worship leaders to serve as the gatekeepers for what is sung in churches. It is worth remembering the Arian controversy, though he was sincere in what he believed [Jesus was not divine], and shared his teaching through sermon and catchy songs of the day. It became such a problem that congregational song was virtually abolished after the Council of Laodicea.
6. We must be careful that we begin to worship the idea of how we feel in worship, or worship the trappings of worship instead of the God whom we are worshiping. Not to unlike the teenager that is “in love with the idea of love,” it is easy to become enthralled with the idea of worship. And for those leading worship, to become enamored with the feelings of leading worship, rather than focusing on the One to whom the worship is directed.
7. What can be done? Fix the text as need be. Sometimes it can be done with just adjusting some of the text. Write the composer and share your concerns. If they listen to you fine, if not you just leave the song out or use your corrections for the local worship services. Remember, our people will remember more of what they sing than just hear, and if there is an emotional response, as is many times in a worship service, the memory of the text is actually stored in a deeper part of the brain. Paul pleaded with those to whom he wrote to guard themselves against false doctrines, so we should do no less and certainly not promote them through putting them in the hearts and minds of those to whom we serve.
Before the worship set is selected, as we are praying through what is to be sung for the service, we must check the text of what we are going to be using. If you are lacking in theological training, there are reputable institutions with online courses available– take advantage of them and prepare yourself. We are responsible to God for what we are teaching [James 3:1] and we must remember that we are teaching as we lead in worship [Col. 3:16].
"Holy Spirit, You are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere...."
I believe that it is worth the time to share some concerns that I believe warrants further study and underscores the need for our worship leaders to take to heart the analysis the text we put on the lips and hearts on those with whom we are leading. Rather than a long discourse, I’ll will just list them:
1. God is the one who takes the initiative in worship, we don't show up and invite God to join us. – Remember that the bush was burning before Moses got there.
2. Since the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, then it is not a matter of "welcoming the Holy Spirit", but acknowledging His presence in our lives. The song, I'm sure, is referencing Pentecost or when the church prayed and the place where they were staying was shaken. But in both accounts, they did not pray for those things, for they did not know they were going to happen as they did. Rather than praying for such an experience, we might should pray for the sensitivity to hear God's voice and the boldness to obey.
3. Praying for the experience is not what the early church did, they prayed for the boldness to share. I realize there are those that will disagree, and that's fine. I just think we are treading on thin ice doctrinally and we get much of our doctrine from what we sing.
This is a topic that needs unpacking:
There are four bases from which we make decisions: God’s Word, history and tradition, human intellect, and personal experience. Though all four are important, nothing should ever take precedence over God’s Word. Throughout history the source for heresies can be traced to getting these out of balance.
For example, let’s say that we have a song that “the Lord gave me.” If we are not careful, then we are saying that the text and music are directly from God, which places it on the same level as God’s Word, or to say it in another way, we have received further revelation from God. Such logic has led to many doctrinal heresies and problems in the Body of Christ. The issue here is that we forget that we have “clay feet” that we are the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve and share in their fallen nature.
We can be sure that any word we receive from God will not contradict what He has already said in His Word. For this reason, then we must pass what we write through the filter of God’s Word: Is what is taught here consistent with the overall teaching of Scripture? Just because the Bible mentions something does not mean that it is teaching it: Scripture mentions that Judas hung himself, but that certainly doesn’t mean that we are to go and do the same.
4. Seeking the experience first puts the cart before the horse. When Daddy comes in from a trip away and has a habit of bringing a surprise to his kids, it doesn’t take long before the kids begin to look forward to what their father is bringing more than himself. We need to be cautious about measuring our worship based on feeling or the level of a given experience. Remember the admonition of Jesus: “Lord, didn’t we cast out demons in your name and perform all kinds of miracles?” And he said to them, “Depart from me for I never knew you.” [Matt. 7:23] The test of our worship is our obedience response to God, not our feelings. We can have an experience outside of the realm of obedience.
5. Because many of the songs we sing come from artists, downloaded from the internet and then sung in our churches the theological filter is absent. I have no doubt about the sincerity of the artist or composers, nor their good intentions, however, I imagine most are not trained in theology. We don’t sing intentions, we sing lyrics, regardless of how sincere. In the days of the use of hymnals one could rely on the fact that a committee on theology had at least reviewed the text of the songs and made adjustments before publication. Now, however, the gates are down and we are dependent on the artists/composers and the theological depth of the worship leaders to serve as the gatekeepers for what is sung in churches. It is worth remembering the Arian controversy, though he was sincere in what he believed [Jesus was not divine], and shared his teaching through sermon and catchy songs of the day. It became such a problem that congregational song was virtually abolished after the Council of Laodicea.
6. We must be careful that we begin to worship the idea of how we feel in worship, or worship the trappings of worship instead of the God whom we are worshiping. Not to unlike the teenager that is “in love with the idea of love,” it is easy to become enthralled with the idea of worship. And for those leading worship, to become enamored with the feelings of leading worship, rather than focusing on the One to whom the worship is directed.
7. What can be done? Fix the text as need be. Sometimes it can be done with just adjusting some of the text. Write the composer and share your concerns. If they listen to you fine, if not you just leave the song out or use your corrections for the local worship services. Remember, our people will remember more of what they sing than just hear, and if there is an emotional response, as is many times in a worship service, the memory of the text is actually stored in a deeper part of the brain. Paul pleaded with those to whom he wrote to guard themselves against false doctrines, so we should do no less and certainly not promote them through putting them in the hearts and minds of those to whom we serve.
Before the worship set is selected, as we are praying through what is to be sung for the service, we must check the text of what we are going to be using. If you are lacking in theological training, there are reputable institutions with online courses available– take advantage of them and prepare yourself. We are responsible to God for what we are teaching [James 3:1] and we must remember that we are teaching as we lead in worship [Col. 3:16].
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Revisiting Psalm 73
All we have to do is look around us and realize that our world and the society in which we live is far from God’s plan. Political leadership has tossed aside biblical standards and many in powerful positions scoff at the notion morality from God’s point of view. “Wrong” things can happen within the Body of Christ as well. As leaders, how are we to respond? How can one not become discouraged when “right” is called “wrong,” and “wrong” called “right?” Fortunately, we are not the first to have to deal with such difficulties. God’s Word records a similar situation in Psalm 73 that can be of great help to us as we face the tragedy of our time.
Asaph begins with fact, with what he knows is true:
1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
Through an honest and transparent testimony of his own weaknesses, he begins to recount his inmost thoughts and feelings. Notice that he identified his feelings and [even why he felt that way]. He confesses that he even envied the wicked because they seem to avoid all the difficulties he had to face:
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
And why he felt that way:
4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. 7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. 8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. 10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. 11 They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” 12 This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
The psalmist places his focus on his circumstances and the injustice around him and the result is discouragement and depression. Focusing on their “success” causes the psalmist to become discouraged and depressed. See what he says in the following two verses:
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.
When we take our eyes off of Christ and His will and direction for our lives, we can quickly become despondent as we see things seemingly out of control, injustice, suffering, etc.
– We can feel as if God has abandoned us and has left us to suffer under injustice and evil.
– What he believed didn’t coincide with the reality he was living.
– One lesson that we might overlook is the important fact that the psalmist is transparent and shares these things with us, or we would have never known. His willingness to share his struggles becomes an important part of biblical instruction on how to deal with injustices in our own lives.
We don’t know what drove the psalmist to go to worship; but it was the turning point in his life. What we have is a testimony of the process.
15 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
These things had been frustrations boiling up inside him, things he had not share publicly, but were tearing him apart from the inside, “till he enters the sanctuary of God.
Just as the prophet Isaiah saw himself as God sees him in Isaiah 6, “woe is me, for I am undone, I am a man of unclean lips and dwell among a people of unclean lips.”... so the psalmist begins to see God’s truth.
It is in worship that God reveals His nature and character to us, and we begin to see ourselves as we really are. Thoughts and attitudes deep within us surface in the holy light of His presence. As we approach God in worship our perspectives change and he is able to think rightly again:
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
“Till I entered the sanctuary of God...” When the psalmist refocused his attention on God and mediated on who God was and what He had done in the past, he began to understand their end.
Notice that the situation does not change: the wicked are still in power, they scoff at God, and they live as God doesn’t care or even exits. What has changed is his focus and perspective. God is in control and this is not the end of the story. He also knows the tragic end of those who scoff at God. An understanding of how God has worked in the past reminds the psalmist that God has the final word and that sin is always punished. Judgement comes in God’s time, not ours.
Worship is our obedient response to the revealed nature and character of God. We cannot get into the presence of God without a glimpse of His nature, His character. The difficulties of life become the lesson plans of God to reveal Himself to us. When I am in need, I learn He is my supply; when grieving, He is my Comforter, confused, my Rock. Let’s remind ourselves of the importance of pulling away each day, to enter the sanctuary of God and get to know Him better.
Seeking out God in mediation and worship had another result that instrumental in the psalmist dealing with his discouragement and despondency: he not only was able to see God’s truth about the wicked, but he realized that inwardly he was bitter. Look at verses 21-22:
When he began to look honestly at his feelings and how he was responding, he could accurately evaluate his actions: His focus on how unfair things were had led to discouragement and he had become bitter against God. The more his focus was on their prosperity the more he lost his ability to think logically about the situation from God’s standpoint. Envy replaces his sensitivity to God’s working in his life and robbed him of a grateful attitude for all of God’s blessings.
21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
Bitterness robs us of the blessing that God wants to give through the discipline of the trial. Listen to what the writer of Hebrews had to say:
“9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;” {Heb. 12:9-15}
The psalmist comes to the point where he is sharing publicly about his feelings, his struggles, and the God’s truth in the midst of difficult situations. It is out of that, that he comes to rely on God’s truth and comes to a powerful insight.
His time of worship clears his mind so that he can to begin to think clearly again and he can begin to state the reality of the situation in correct terms: God is in control. God is in control of my life. He will provide and protect. I can learn to trust Him and He will receive the glory from my responding rightly.
Until we can reorient our thinking though our focusing on God in worship, we will fail to see God’s truth in the situations in which we live, we can fail to see ourselves rightly, we can fall into bitterness. But praise God, it didn’t stop there. He did come to see God’s truth and his life was changed.
The truth is our lives can be changed, too.
Listen to the psalmist, fresh from his encounter with God, thoughts directed not by his outward circumstances, but by the truth of God:
23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
Verse 26 is key to the recovery of the psalmist: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” He is not in denial of his personal situation, nor does he glibly brush off his feelings. He simply sets his focus on the only one that can truly change the situation and make things right. Regardless of the outcome, his trust and confidence is in God. God is in control; God will bring justice, God is the strength of my heart and refuge forever. His heart response then was to share with others what God had done in his life.
Notice that he ends the psalm committed to share what God has done, but to really do that, he has to share where he has been, and his honesty and transparency become a bridge to our discouragements. As we become honest about our own brokenness, as we commit ourselves to openness before God in worship, we too, can become bridges to those who are hiding in their hurts, chained by secrets that they are too ashamed to share. We are all broken and God is remaking and remolding us into the image of His Son. We are broken people sharing with other broken people the God of love that can make us whole.
Let's recap:
The psalmist started with the right understanding, yet allowed his focus to shift to the negative circumstances around him. He became discouraged and depressed. He goes into the sanctuary to worship and God begins to redirect his focus back on God’s nature, power, and control. Out of his worship he begins to see the God’s truth about those who scoff at God, but even more, he begins to see himself in a new light, he sees his own bitterness. What is as amazing as all this is that he was honest enough to write it down, become transparent and help us to become transparent too.
So now what? Let’s look at some steps that we can follow based on Psalm 73 that can help us through difficult times:
What we can learn...
1. Realize that we are not above becoming failing, from becoming discouraged.
2. Many times we become discouraged when we spend more time focusing on the “prosperity of the wicked” or the problem, than the strength of the Savior.
3. We need to be honest about our thoughts and feelings before God.
4. Mediation on who God is and what He has done can help refocus our thoughts. Biblical worship is one of the best first steps toward the refocus.
5. As we worship God, we realize that He is in control and that we can trust Him.
6. We also realize that God has a righteous judgement and that all sin will be dealt with in a way that brings God glory.
7. As we worship, we will begin to see the sin in our own life and confess it before the Father.
9. We center our focus on the reality of Who God is and What He as done more than present circumstances.
10. We can begin to see God’s truth in the situation and we share what God has done in our lives.
11. As we become honest and transparent about our struggles we can help others as they are going through similar situations.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Four things that will Derail Your Ministry
How to avoid becoming a statistic in working with Pastors, other Staff, and Relationships within the congregation.
No one goes into the ministry planning to fail, their expectations envision success. Being sensitive to some common causes of failure can help avoid a ministry going down in flames. More failures in ministry are from personal moral issues and problems in relationships than just from a lack of musical skill.
1. Wrong thinking patterns:
• “My value, worth comes from my performance”: Our worth as individuals comes from what Christ has done for us, not how well we perform. We dare not confuse talent with self worth, or functional ability with acceptance before God.
• “Victim mentality”: There are those who seem to see the glass always as half empty, and believe that everyone is after them, that others are always picking on them, and that the dark clouds just seem to follow them around.
• “I can not be wrong” and “fear of failure”: The issue here is insecurity. A fear of failure means loss of self esteem or a sense of worth as an individual, or an issue of pride, and a resistance toward humility.
• “I have all the answers” : The “know it all” attitude can stem from over confidence, or a false sense of superiority. Sometimes the underlying reason is insecurity, but also can be just outright arrogance.
• We’re too small to have an excellent music ministry. When we base excellence on the comparison with the mega-churches we will come up short every time. Fortunately, that is not the basis for excellence. The basis for excellence is God’s approval.
–What can be done? Paul in Romans 12:1-2 gives us great help: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” [emphasis added] Patterns of wrong thinking are common even among those who name Christ as Savior. So how do we “renew our minds” so that we can be “transformed?” Again, Paul gives us some great help in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” We must change the focus of our thinking.
Another great help is to articulate the truth of the situation. The truth is that we don’t have all the answers, only God does; that everyone isn’t out to get us, since “he that began a good work in you will carry it on until its completion” [Phil. 1:6]. The truth is that our worth as individuals comes from what Christ has done for us, not how well we perform. The truth is that failure is the confirmation that we are not perfect. Everyone fails at something. We chose to think in certain ways and develop patterns of thinking that are not healthy nor biblical. Choosing to think in other ways takes deliberate effort and practice, but is a biblical principle that can change our lives. Remember that the gift on which Jesus commented was not the great amounts by the rich, but that of the poor widow.
Replace “wrong” patterns with “right” patterns: Ask the question: “What is the truth about the this situation?”
– My worth comes from Christ and what He has done for me. I do not work to earn God’s approval, but to show gratitude for all He has done.
– Since my self esteem dos not dependent on success, failure is an opportunity for the character of Christ be developed.
– Excellence in ministry is based on obedience, not size; having God’s not human approval.
– Give thanks “in all things,” not for all things. Be sure to share you appreciation and gratitude to others, too.
– God is in control and I can trust Him, even when everything doesn’t make sense.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
This past week...a prayerful response....
The events of the Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage this past week has not only made the news, but spurred a flurry of commentary. Many Christian leaders have shared some insight into a biblical response and given the amount of reactionary rhetoric that has also filled the headlines, I pray that more deep earnest thought will be shared.
For the past several decades the classic worldview that had been previous assumed to be held in the United States was in transition toward the relativity of postmodernism: that is among other things, that truth is relative and there are no moral absolutes. What we are experiencing now are the first fruits of the implications of such a worldview in operation. These certainly won’t be the last and as the tentacles of sin reach out to test their new found strength, one can be certain that those who hold to biblical standards will be in their sights.
I have joined many other in grieving these past few days, and would like to share my heart. To do so, I would first like to share what I read from the hand of Dr. James Taylor, Senior Pastor at Christ’s Church of Norman, Oklahoma, and then some passages of Scripture that have become even more meaning in recent days. I would end with a prayer of confession for believers. Prayerfully follow this to the end, and I would ask that you join me in prayer. –Thank you. My faith and confidence in not in human governments, but in God Almighty who is still in control and Ruler over all. Regardless what we may face in the future, we can trust His love, mercy, and grace.
Most people know the story of Jonah: he was a prophet whom God told to go to Nineveh and preach a message of repentance. Nineveh was the capitol of Assyria which was located 550 miles Northeast of Israel. But Jonah decides he would go to Tarshish, which was 2,500 miles to the Northwest. Jonah is a renegade preacher who does not want to do what God called him to do. In his rebellion, he is tossed overboard of a ship and is swallowed by a big fish. He was there three days and three nights and was regurgitated on to dry land.
After Jonah goes on the first submarine ride in history, he agrees to do what God asked him to do. Jonah goes to Nineveh and preaches to the city, and in one day the entire city repents. Jonah 3:5-9 reads:
“Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes. He issued a proclamation and it said, ‘In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flocks taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water. 8’ But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. ‘Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.’”
Notice this about the people of Nineveh. Conversion changed the political environment of Nineveh. It didn’t happen because they made better laws, hired more policemen, or provided more arms for the people to reduce the violence. The violence was removed because the people met a living God. The thing that changes people and brings about peace to an environment is when men repent before a living God. Nineveh still had the same King, the same Congress, the same Supreme Court, and the same city Council. The difference now was there was a heart transformation, and that translated into actions and behavior. That is the only thing that will help America change. When the people of America, leaders of America, and Supreme Court Justices of America encounter the Living God who has the power to forgive, and to transform our hearts, then we will see a new America. It doesn’t matter who is in public office; it matters if their hearts are committed to the Living God. {Dr. James Taylor, Senior Pastor at Christ’s Church of Norman
Now let’s look at a common thread of the following passages from Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Isaiah. I believe they are key in part to a biblical response to recent events.
Daniel 9:4-19 New International Version (NIV)
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.
7 “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. ... 15 “Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.
17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”
Ezra 9:10-15 New International Version (NIV)
10 “But now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commands 11 you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: ‘The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. 12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.’
13 “What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. 14 Shall we then break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? 15 Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.”
Nehemiah 1:5-9 New International Version (NIV)
5 Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
Isaiah 6:3- International Version (NIV)
3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
After all this week I have wanted to scream and condemn for the lack of moral leadership, and as citizens of this nation we do have a obligation to be responsible members of the society as long as it does not conflict with the laws of God. However, God brought back to my heart and mind the passages I have just shared. I have come to the conclusion that my first response must be to fall on my face before God in prayer. So that is what I am doing now. I would invite all that would to join me:
Oh Loving Heavenly Father, Creator and Lord, You in Your love and mercy allowed us to have the forgiveness of sin and to know You through the death and resurrection of Your Holy Son, Jesus; oh God, please hear the confession of your servant. We, Your people, Your church, the Bride of Christ has sinned.
We have failed to seek You with our whole hearts.
Our hearts have sought after positions and possessions more than You.
Spiritual leadership in our churches have fallen to moral failure.
We have broken the covenant to keep our eyes pure and our conversation edifying.
We have forgotten from how lost we were.
We have used the resources You provided to reach a lost world and lavished on that which will not last.
We have failed to be the salt and light that You called us to be.
We are not worthy of Your love, Your mercy, Your grace, and Your forgiveness.
You have not given us what we deserve. But even so, O Righteous and Loving Lord, please forgive our sin. Restore Your church, Oh God, to Your purpose and plan. Help us, Oh God, in these days as persecution increases to be filled with Your Spirit, power and love. Father, we claim the promise of your Word that “ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” So, Father, we humble ourselves and pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways. Please, God, heal our land for Your honor and glory.
In the Name of Jesus,
Amen
For the past several decades the classic worldview that had been previous assumed to be held in the United States was in transition toward the relativity of postmodernism: that is among other things, that truth is relative and there are no moral absolutes. What we are experiencing now are the first fruits of the implications of such a worldview in operation. These certainly won’t be the last and as the tentacles of sin reach out to test their new found strength, one can be certain that those who hold to biblical standards will be in their sights.
I have joined many other in grieving these past few days, and would like to share my heart. To do so, I would first like to share what I read from the hand of Dr. James Taylor, Senior Pastor at Christ’s Church of Norman, Oklahoma, and then some passages of Scripture that have become even more meaning in recent days. I would end with a prayer of confession for believers. Prayerfully follow this to the end, and I would ask that you join me in prayer. –Thank you. My faith and confidence in not in human governments, but in God Almighty who is still in control and Ruler over all. Regardless what we may face in the future, we can trust His love, mercy, and grace.
Most people know the story of Jonah: he was a prophet whom God told to go to Nineveh and preach a message of repentance. Nineveh was the capitol of Assyria which was located 550 miles Northeast of Israel. But Jonah decides he would go to Tarshish, which was 2,500 miles to the Northwest. Jonah is a renegade preacher who does not want to do what God called him to do. In his rebellion, he is tossed overboard of a ship and is swallowed by a big fish. He was there three days and three nights and was regurgitated on to dry land.
After Jonah goes on the first submarine ride in history, he agrees to do what God asked him to do. Jonah goes to Nineveh and preaches to the city, and in one day the entire city repents. Jonah 3:5-9 reads:
“Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes. He issued a proclamation and it said, ‘In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flocks taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water. 8’ But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. ‘Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.’”
Notice this about the people of Nineveh. Conversion changed the political environment of Nineveh. It didn’t happen because they made better laws, hired more policemen, or provided more arms for the people to reduce the violence. The violence was removed because the people met a living God. The thing that changes people and brings about peace to an environment is when men repent before a living God. Nineveh still had the same King, the same Congress, the same Supreme Court, and the same city Council. The difference now was there was a heart transformation, and that translated into actions and behavior. That is the only thing that will help America change. When the people of America, leaders of America, and Supreme Court Justices of America encounter the Living God who has the power to forgive, and to transform our hearts, then we will see a new America. It doesn’t matter who is in public office; it matters if their hearts are committed to the Living God. {Dr. James Taylor, Senior Pastor at Christ’s Church of Norman
Now let’s look at a common thread of the following passages from Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Isaiah. I believe they are key in part to a biblical response to recent events.
Daniel 9:4-19 New International Version (NIV)
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.
7 “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. ... 15 “Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.
17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”
Ezra 9:10-15 New International Version (NIV)
10 “But now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commands 11 you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: ‘The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. 12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.’
13 “What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. 14 Shall we then break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? 15 Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.”
Nehemiah 1:5-9 New International Version (NIV)
5 Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
Isaiah 6:3- International Version (NIV)
3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
After all this week I have wanted to scream and condemn for the lack of moral leadership, and as citizens of this nation we do have a obligation to be responsible members of the society as long as it does not conflict with the laws of God. However, God brought back to my heart and mind the passages I have just shared. I have come to the conclusion that my first response must be to fall on my face before God in prayer. So that is what I am doing now. I would invite all that would to join me:
Oh Loving Heavenly Father, Creator and Lord, You in Your love and mercy allowed us to have the forgiveness of sin and to know You through the death and resurrection of Your Holy Son, Jesus; oh God, please hear the confession of your servant. We, Your people, Your church, the Bride of Christ has sinned.
We have failed to seek You with our whole hearts.
Our hearts have sought after positions and possessions more than You.
Spiritual leadership in our churches have fallen to moral failure.
We have broken the covenant to keep our eyes pure and our conversation edifying.
We have forgotten from how lost we were.
We have used the resources You provided to reach a lost world and lavished on that which will not last.
We have failed to be the salt and light that You called us to be.
We are not worthy of Your love, Your mercy, Your grace, and Your forgiveness.
You have not given us what we deserve. But even so, O Righteous and Loving Lord, please forgive our sin. Restore Your church, Oh God, to Your purpose and plan. Help us, Oh God, in these days as persecution increases to be filled with Your Spirit, power and love. Father, we claim the promise of your Word that “ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” So, Father, we humble ourselves and pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways. Please, God, heal our land for Your honor and glory.
In the Name of Jesus,
Amen
Monday, May 18, 2015
One Test for God-Centered Worship
One of the results of worship that it unifies believers; when unity is not being achieved, then some aspect of worship is not being followed as God desires or as Scripture teaches. Worship was to be central to the life of the Israelites:
– The Ark was literally in the center of the tribes as they traveled in the wilderness and helped them focus on a central point as they watched the cloud by day and the pillar of fire at night.
–The major worship feasts brought the people together 3 times a year after they entered the land promised by God.
– After the northern tribes split from Judah during the reign of Rehoboam, Jeroboam had two golden calves built under the guise of convenience, but to draw the Israelites away from returning to worship in Jerusalem for fear that their continued worship would work to re-unify the kingdoms.
– The very mystery of the Trinity reflects unity in diversity; we worship a God that is Three in One.
– One of the central themes in Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is “that they may be one as You and I are One.” Since unity is Jesus’ desire, worship that fails to bring unity, works in contrary to the prayer of the Son of God.
– One of the few visions of heavenly worship in Revelation describes myriads of every tribe, tongue and nation centered around the Lamb on His throne.
– Paul put it this way: “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” [Rom. 11:36] “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” [Gal. 3:28]
I cannot fathom getting to heaven, seeing the countless myriads of worshipers gathered around the throne of God, actually seeing the nail prints in the hands of the Lord Jesus who sacrificed Himself so that we might have a relationship with Him and then saying, “Lord, can I move over to the other side of heaven, since I like the angels that sing over there better.” Ridiculous? Of course it is.
Of course it is. Worship is not about what pleases me, but our obedient response to God. We dare not forget that as we pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we must apply that to our worship as well. The worship of heaven is our model for worship on earth. When we set as a goal of worship “Making me happy,” we will neither please God, nor make ourselves happy. Only as we fulfill God’s design do we find true fulfillment and peace, regardless of the circumstances. Worship based on likes and dislikes, but a throwback to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and their decision to become the judge of what was right, wrong, and good for their lives.
Until we submit ourselves to God and worship Him as He desires; we will continue to see worship divide, rather than unite. As long as we demand the right to define what worship is, then we will continue to deceive ourselves in self indulgence. When we see worship coming off its Christ-centered base, then we can be sure that division is not far away.
– The Ark was literally in the center of the tribes as they traveled in the wilderness and helped them focus on a central point as they watched the cloud by day and the pillar of fire at night.
–The major worship feasts brought the people together 3 times a year after they entered the land promised by God.
– After the northern tribes split from Judah during the reign of Rehoboam, Jeroboam had two golden calves built under the guise of convenience, but to draw the Israelites away from returning to worship in Jerusalem for fear that their continued worship would work to re-unify the kingdoms.
– The very mystery of the Trinity reflects unity in diversity; we worship a God that is Three in One.
– One of the central themes in Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is “that they may be one as You and I are One.” Since unity is Jesus’ desire, worship that fails to bring unity, works in contrary to the prayer of the Son of God.
– One of the few visions of heavenly worship in Revelation describes myriads of every tribe, tongue and nation centered around the Lamb on His throne.
– Paul put it this way: “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” [Rom. 11:36] “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” [Gal. 3:28]
I cannot fathom getting to heaven, seeing the countless myriads of worshipers gathered around the throne of God, actually seeing the nail prints in the hands of the Lord Jesus who sacrificed Himself so that we might have a relationship with Him and then saying, “Lord, can I move over to the other side of heaven, since I like the angels that sing over there better.” Ridiculous? Of course it is.
Of course it is. Worship is not about what pleases me, but our obedient response to God. We dare not forget that as we pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we must apply that to our worship as well. The worship of heaven is our model for worship on earth. When we set as a goal of worship “Making me happy,” we will neither please God, nor make ourselves happy. Only as we fulfill God’s design do we find true fulfillment and peace, regardless of the circumstances. Worship based on likes and dislikes, but a throwback to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and their decision to become the judge of what was right, wrong, and good for their lives.
Until we submit ourselves to God and worship Him as He desires; we will continue to see worship divide, rather than unite. As long as we demand the right to define what worship is, then we will continue to deceive ourselves in self indulgence. When we see worship coming off its Christ-centered base, then we can be sure that division is not far away.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Knowing God’s Will: How do I prepare as a Worship Leader?
I regularly see prospective students who are visiting our campus and who are diligently seeking God’s will for their lives. Frankly, it is exciting to see how God has brought them to this point and I really consider our time together, many times with parents, friends, or spouses, a divine appointment. Sometimes the student is like a the little cars my kids played with when they were very young. You remember them, don’t you? You placed all four wheels on the floor and then had to drag the car backwards to “wind up” the springlike motor and then let go to see them take off in a quick blast of speed. Some students come in wound up and can’t wait for the semester to start; God has clearly showed them what they need to do. It’s exciting to see that happen.
There are other students who come in sincerely looking for God’s will, but just need to talk things through. They feel like Abraham, God has told them to just “go and I’ll let you know when you get there...” They have made those first steps and are seeking confirmation from the Lord in their life’s direction. At times you can almost see the wheels turning as God opens the hearts and minds to new perspectives. I have compiled some of the questions I ask when God allows these divine appointments and I trust that they will be helpful to pass along to anyone you might think is dealing with a call to worship ministry.
1. How has God been leading you to this point? Sometimes we just need to sit down and review all that God has been doing. It is so easy to get wrapped up in doing, we forget how we got there. Trace God’s leadership from when you first surrendered to His Lordship until now.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years? Perhaps this question has only been a vague idea that you would be doing something somewhere, but if you had your best dreams come true, what would it be?
3. Do you know what it takes to do those things? The person that tells me she has always dreamed of helping the sick and needy overseas as a doctor knows that just loving people and having a willingness to go overseas is not enough; somewhere, sometime they are going to have to have the professional training to be able to be effective. Training is essential and you should desire the type of training that builds for a lifetime of ministry, not just what to do next week. Showing someone what to do “next week” is like giving them a fish; effective training means that you teach them how to fish for themselves. Yes it takes longer, but the results and rewards are for the rest of one’s life.
4. What is in your hand? Just as God used what was in Moses’ hand, God can use what is in yours. What are those things that really gives you joy, that doing them actually energizes you and you don’t dread doing? Some people mistakenly think that God’s will is some kind of punishment and we have to do, even though we really dread having to do it. I grew to understand God’s call to teach as I began teaching and realizing the joy I had in doing it. Which leads me to the next question...
5. What are you already doing in ministry? Some people have been active doing several things and never really stopped to think that God might be using this as a base or beginning for ministry or other related ministry.
6. Are you obedient in what He has already asked you to do? If we are resisting being obedient in other areas of our life, why would we expect God to keep showing us new directions, when we are not doing what He has already told us to do?
7. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to do God’s will? Naaman had to be willing to go the Jordan river and dip himself seven times, something that seemingly had nothing to do with his illness [2 Kings 5]. Sometimes part of our preparation will seem totally removed from what we think should be done. Naaman had to give his expectation to the Lord and trust the word of the prophet before God healed him.
These are just a few of the questions I have found to be very helpful for those seeking God’s will and what they should do related to further preparation. Preparation is necessary; and God deserves the best we can offer. I can cook. I use that term very loosely, for I live in the city of New Orleans where food is not just incredibly delicious, but area chefs have superstar status. I can cook, but what I can do is nothing compared to what you would find at any number of our favorites around town. [It’s nothing compared to what my wife can do!] I just don’t have the preparation and training. God has gifted you with various abilities, and just might be calling you to place those in His hands to become more effective through training. Our desire at the Seminary where I teach is to come alongside of what God is already doing in your life and help in sharpening the tools He has given. I would welcome any questions, and I certainly would join you in prayer that God would clarify His will and direction in your life.
This is Part 1 of the topic. See you soon!
There are other students who come in sincerely looking for God’s will, but just need to talk things through. They feel like Abraham, God has told them to just “go and I’ll let you know when you get there...” They have made those first steps and are seeking confirmation from the Lord in their life’s direction. At times you can almost see the wheels turning as God opens the hearts and minds to new perspectives. I have compiled some of the questions I ask when God allows these divine appointments and I trust that they will be helpful to pass along to anyone you might think is dealing with a call to worship ministry.
1. How has God been leading you to this point? Sometimes we just need to sit down and review all that God has been doing. It is so easy to get wrapped up in doing, we forget how we got there. Trace God’s leadership from when you first surrendered to His Lordship until now.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years? Perhaps this question has only been a vague idea that you would be doing something somewhere, but if you had your best dreams come true, what would it be?
3. Do you know what it takes to do those things? The person that tells me she has always dreamed of helping the sick and needy overseas as a doctor knows that just loving people and having a willingness to go overseas is not enough; somewhere, sometime they are going to have to have the professional training to be able to be effective. Training is essential and you should desire the type of training that builds for a lifetime of ministry, not just what to do next week. Showing someone what to do “next week” is like giving them a fish; effective training means that you teach them how to fish for themselves. Yes it takes longer, but the results and rewards are for the rest of one’s life.
4. What is in your hand? Just as God used what was in Moses’ hand, God can use what is in yours. What are those things that really gives you joy, that doing them actually energizes you and you don’t dread doing? Some people mistakenly think that God’s will is some kind of punishment and we have to do, even though we really dread having to do it. I grew to understand God’s call to teach as I began teaching and realizing the joy I had in doing it. Which leads me to the next question...
5. What are you already doing in ministry? Some people have been active doing several things and never really stopped to think that God might be using this as a base or beginning for ministry or other related ministry.
6. Are you obedient in what He has already asked you to do? If we are resisting being obedient in other areas of our life, why would we expect God to keep showing us new directions, when we are not doing what He has already told us to do?
7. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to do God’s will? Naaman had to be willing to go the Jordan river and dip himself seven times, something that seemingly had nothing to do with his illness [2 Kings 5]. Sometimes part of our preparation will seem totally removed from what we think should be done. Naaman had to give his expectation to the Lord and trust the word of the prophet before God healed him.
These are just a few of the questions I have found to be very helpful for those seeking God’s will and what they should do related to further preparation. Preparation is necessary; and God deserves the best we can offer. I can cook. I use that term very loosely, for I live in the city of New Orleans where food is not just incredibly delicious, but area chefs have superstar status. I can cook, but what I can do is nothing compared to what you would find at any number of our favorites around town. [It’s nothing compared to what my wife can do!] I just don’t have the preparation and training. God has gifted you with various abilities, and just might be calling you to place those in His hands to become more effective through training. Our desire at the Seminary where I teach is to come alongside of what God is already doing in your life and help in sharpening the tools He has given. I would welcome any questions, and I certainly would join you in prayer that God would clarify His will and direction in your life.
This is Part 1 of the topic. See you soon!
Monday, March 23, 2015
What to do when worship is flat, boring, non-engaging, lifeless, cold, or just plain bad.
[This was a question raised by a reader to the blog on "Worship and Entertainment" [http://www.edsteeleworship.com/2010/03/worship-and-entertainment-church-that.html?showComment=1427126227579#c473495135174592819]
I really couldn't address the issue in the short space for comments, so I decided to broaden it to place it here. I think this is one of the questions that I get that is difficult to deal with on several levels. I will attempt an answer, and I welcome the dialogue that I imagine it will bring.]
Wow. If I ever write another book, I think I would write it about exactly what you mentioned. The last thing in the world I want you to think is that I have the answer in one neat little package. I don't. I really don't think anyone does. but there are steps toward a solution that we can take. For general reference, refer to a blog I wrote that touched a little on the subject [http://www.edsteeleworship.com/2011/01/what-to-do-when-you-are-having-problems.html ]
Worship is almost always going to be laden with distractions, some by the devil himself and some by our own making that Satan will use to his advantage to keep us or pull us from genuine worship. I think our first step is to go back and review what biblical worship is: that obedient response to God’s revealed nature and character. We must understand that we do not initiate worship, God does. The bush was burning before Moses got there. We join what God has already started when we enter into worship. God puts that desire in our hearts to desire Him, or as Paul said in Philippians, “He helps us want to obey him and then helps us to do want he wants.” [ 2:13]
That will lead us to unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, unwillingness to ask for forgiveness, and a host of other possible things in our lives that would keep us from worshiping. Once we have confessed and thank God for the forgiveness He offers, we are free to be able to hear the Spirit more clearly. It is not dependent on our expectations or there may or may not be a deep emotional response. There is a deepening sense of Who He is, What He has done, and more than just a desire to obey, but actual obedience.
Some of the most powerful worship moments were not in services with perfect musicians, incredible singing, and powerful preaching. Rather, they were services in which the leadership on the platform was offering a “widow’s mite” of talent and sharing, but it was the very best they could offer. It was convicting. It was brutally transparent. It was a sacrifice of praise.
When everything is “bad,” that is, from a human viewpoint, we are left with a choice: Go somewhere else [which, if you are on staff is not probably not an option], or choose to focus on God alone, asking God to help us look past what is going on in front to see what is going on in your heart that might keep you from seeing Him. Let’s look one step further into your question; I want to look at the words you used, though I have heard them used many times by many people including my students who have asked the same questions:
“...what should our response be in a situation where the worship is described as flat, boring, non-engaging, lifeless, cold, or just plain bad. Lets say the music is terribly off and the leaders appear to just be going through the motions.”
Focus on the following words: “flat, boring, non-engaging, lifeless, cold, bad.” These are words of perception of the listener. They are responses of the listener. When we say someone is boring, we think we are making a judgement on the character or delivery of the person, when in reality we are revealing the response of the listener. Perhaps the person is speaking out of his or her learning style, which is different than the person making the response. We are not called to judge another’s character, nor are we responsible for another’s actions, however we are responsible for our own. A similar evaluation may be taken from the next sentence of the commentary: “and the leaders appear to just be going through the motions.” These too, are character judgments that we are not equipped to make, nor commanded to make.
I have dealt with poorly shared music in several blogs, so I won't rehash that, but sometimes we just need to realize that what is there may be the best they can offer and it just might be the "widow's mite" of offering given to God at that time. Pray for them, but don't criticize them.You might do ten times better than those leading, but at the moment you are not, so just pray for them. If God opens a door to help them and they are receptive, take advantage of the opportunity to share what God is teaching you. However, please do so in a spirit of humility, not as "I'm better and you must listen to me."
So what can we say? Let me summarize and I hope this will be helpful to some extent:
1. Know what biblical worship is. Review it. Make the personal preparations so you can worship.
2. Ask God to help you worship. You know that is His will, and you should do this before the service.
3. Ask God to help you focus on Him, on His Word, His message through the texts of the song and sermon.
4. Close your eyes if need be. [I have found this necessary when those on the platform become distractions themselves.]
5. Begin to praise God for Who He Is and thank Him for What He has done; focus on rehearsing God’s character and nature.
6. Commit to God to be obedient, regardless.
I really couldn't address the issue in the short space for comments, so I decided to broaden it to place it here. I think this is one of the questions that I get that is difficult to deal with on several levels. I will attempt an answer, and I welcome the dialogue that I imagine it will bring.]
Wow. If I ever write another book, I think I would write it about exactly what you mentioned. The last thing in the world I want you to think is that I have the answer in one neat little package. I don't. I really don't think anyone does. but there are steps toward a solution that we can take. For general reference, refer to a blog I wrote that touched a little on the subject [http://www.edsteeleworship.com/2011/01/what-to-do-when-you-are-having-problems.html ]
Worship is almost always going to be laden with distractions, some by the devil himself and some by our own making that Satan will use to his advantage to keep us or pull us from genuine worship. I think our first step is to go back and review what biblical worship is: that obedient response to God’s revealed nature and character. We must understand that we do not initiate worship, God does. The bush was burning before Moses got there. We join what God has already started when we enter into worship. God puts that desire in our hearts to desire Him, or as Paul said in Philippians, “He helps us want to obey him and then helps us to do want he wants.” [ 2:13]
That will lead us to unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, unwillingness to ask for forgiveness, and a host of other possible things in our lives that would keep us from worshiping. Once we have confessed and thank God for the forgiveness He offers, we are free to be able to hear the Spirit more clearly. It is not dependent on our expectations or there may or may not be a deep emotional response. There is a deepening sense of Who He is, What He has done, and more than just a desire to obey, but actual obedience.
Some of the most powerful worship moments were not in services with perfect musicians, incredible singing, and powerful preaching. Rather, they were services in which the leadership on the platform was offering a “widow’s mite” of talent and sharing, but it was the very best they could offer. It was convicting. It was brutally transparent. It was a sacrifice of praise.
When everything is “bad,” that is, from a human viewpoint, we are left with a choice: Go somewhere else [which, if you are on staff is not probably not an option], or choose to focus on God alone, asking God to help us look past what is going on in front to see what is going on in your heart that might keep you from seeing Him. Let’s look one step further into your question; I want to look at the words you used, though I have heard them used many times by many people including my students who have asked the same questions:
“...what should our response be in a situation where the worship is described as flat, boring, non-engaging, lifeless, cold, or just plain bad. Lets say the music is terribly off and the leaders appear to just be going through the motions.”
Focus on the following words: “flat, boring, non-engaging, lifeless, cold, bad.” These are words of perception of the listener. They are responses of the listener. When we say someone is boring, we think we are making a judgement on the character or delivery of the person, when in reality we are revealing the response of the listener. Perhaps the person is speaking out of his or her learning style, which is different than the person making the response. We are not called to judge another’s character, nor are we responsible for another’s actions, however we are responsible for our own. A similar evaluation may be taken from the next sentence of the commentary: “and the leaders appear to just be going through the motions.” These too, are character judgments that we are not equipped to make, nor commanded to make.
I have dealt with poorly shared music in several blogs, so I won't rehash that, but sometimes we just need to realize that what is there may be the best they can offer and it just might be the "widow's mite" of offering given to God at that time. Pray for them, but don't criticize them.You might do ten times better than those leading, but at the moment you are not, so just pray for them. If God opens a door to help them and they are receptive, take advantage of the opportunity to share what God is teaching you. However, please do so in a spirit of humility, not as "I'm better and you must listen to me."
So what can we say? Let me summarize and I hope this will be helpful to some extent:
1. Know what biblical worship is. Review it. Make the personal preparations so you can worship.
2. Ask God to help you worship. You know that is His will, and you should do this before the service.
3. Ask God to help you focus on Him, on His Word, His message through the texts of the song and sermon.
4. Close your eyes if need be. [I have found this necessary when those on the platform become distractions themselves.]
5. Begin to praise God for Who He Is and thank Him for What He has done; focus on rehearsing God’s character and nature.
6. Commit to God to be obedient, regardless.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Ten Ideas That Will Destroy Worship
1. Worship is the music. Worship is our obedient response to God’s nature and character; that response can be with or without music. Limiting worship to music implies that those who aren’t so musically inclined can’t really worship. We are commanded to worship, and God would not command what He would not equip us to do. Praying, giving, hearing God’s Word, and much more are all a part of worship.
2. Being able to play and instrument and sing makes one a “Worship Leader.” Many times people are thrust into a position out of necessity, whether or not they are prepared. Fortunately, training exists for these impromptu leaders, but if all that happens is filling the position without a biblical understanding of what worship is and isn’t, how what they do fits into worship, and how personal purity and growth in their spiritual life is an integral part of the whole, then the person may only be filling a position, but not really fulfilling the role of a worship leader.
3. The groups up front are performing, the congregation is the audience. Worship is not entertainment, since the focus of entertainment is pleasing the listener, but the focus of worship is pleasing God. Entertainment and worship are on opposite ends of the spectrum. The purpose of worship is God-centered, giving glory to God alone.
4. “After we use a song for a while, we burn it and look for another.” The danger here is a lack of understanding of the biblical mandate in Colossians 3:16 of using music to teach. It is great to learn new songs, but not to use only new songs. Singing only the “latest & greatest” generally misses the fullness of expression of doctrine and is narrow in focus. We learn by repetition over a long period of time. There must be a building of a congregational memory of songs that they can sing by heart and express the fullness of our faith. Multigenerational worship is more than just young and old singing the same songs; but each generation mixing life together in all the aspects of corporate worship over time.
5. “I can do what needs to be done; I don’t need to.... anymore.” The absence of a teachable spirit can poison congregational worship. Being able to play the songs of today does not guarantee skill for tomorrow. There are always areas in which we can grow and improve. God may be preparing the leader for a new assignment, but the refusal to seek help and grow will disqualify the person from the opportunity. [Even with those we train at the Seminary, we desire to instill the heart of a lifelong learner.]
6. “If we build it, they will come”: worship style, etc. The idea of cultural relevance was right, but trying to make worship style the substitute for the Body of Christ personally sharing Christ is wrong. Natural growth is a result of the organism multiplying itself by reproduction; we dare not make a worship service the primary means by which we reach out to the lost. True growth comes from the discipleship of those who have been led to Christ and mentored into the basics of the faith. False growth comes from just “swapping sheep” from another congregation because of worship style.
7. “It’s just not worship unless this person/group is leading/preaching.” When we must have something more than just God and His Word to worship, we are revealing that God alone is not enough. Simply put, we have made that person, group, or whatever an idol in our lives. When Peter, James, and John were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter was getting caught up in everything, until God’s voice clarified the issue: “Behold my Son, in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.” and when they looked up, they saw Jesus only. [Matthew 17:1-8] We can easily begin to worship the experience of worship more than worship the Christ of worship.
8. Following formulas more than the leadership of the Spirit. There is a tendency to copy what others have done, even so much as to how a song is shared, without thinking of the context from which it came. Rather than seeking the leadership of the Spirit about the needs of the congregation and how everything fits together with the message to be shared, some leaders just put together what they have heard from the latest conference, without even thinking that the songs were written for the conference and it just won’t sound the same with their group as it did with the 5000 at the conference. The practice of jumping up an octave on the verse or chorus after a bridge may sound exciting, but the true is, few in the congregation can do it, or if they do, they sound as if they shouldn’t have tried. Everyone is not a tenor or soprano. Leaders must know their congregations.
9. The volume of the music reflects the intensity of the worship. When the dB levels push 90 and above the body will begin to release endorphins as an automatic pain response for protection causing the person to have a sense of a “high.” Too easily this physical response is interpreted as a spiritual one, resulting in confusion, not to mention that prolonged exposure leads to hearing loss. [This effect is same for an organ playing over 90 dBs as it is for a praise band, for it is not the type of music, but the dB level that is causing the damage.] Unfortunately, the damage is much like a slow growing tumor that is not discovered until the damage is done and is permanent.
10. It doesn’t matter if the congregation doesn’t participate, they can just follow the praise team or worship group in front and let them sing. The truth is, if the congregation is not following, that is, singing, then the group up front is not leading. Such an attitude can slip into the mindset that the congregation is an audience and those leading into performance. We are to encourage one another as the Body of Christ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)