The importance of worship

In our work, it is always a thrill to find those worship leaders and pastors that have a firm grasp on the role that worship plays in the life of the believer.

But so often we encounter believers (not just in Ireland) who, while they love worship times and "the song service", haven't quite grasped its relevance to their daily lives. It's simply something that happens when we gather with other believers once or twice a week. I can't count the number of times I've heard this referred to as their chance to "recharge their batteries".

A few months back I gave a sermon on the importance of worship in the life of the individual. The Westminster Shorter Catechism puts it this way: "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever." In this quote, when it uses the term "end", it's not referring to our final, ultimate state, but instead the reason for which we exist; our purpose.

We were created to worship. Not only that, we were created to be worshipers. Think about it. When given the opportunity, people will worship anything that they consider greater than themselves. Consider that every culture in the world has its idols or objects of worship, whether that be false gods, personalities, government systems or what have you.

The nature of the worshiper is dictated by that which they worship. Psalm 115:8 puts it this way: "Those who make [idols] will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." We are called upon throughout the New Testament to be imitators of Christ and how else are we to accomplish this than to spend quality time with Him. As we worship Him and maintain that spiritual connection with Him, He places His Spirit within us. "We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit." (1 John 4:13)

God seeks worshipers, not just worship. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman in John 4:23, "...true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." He knows how it benefits us to stay by His side. It reminds me of the protective mom who hangs on tightly to her toddler's hand as they navigate a busy parking lot.

Worship brings victory in our lives. When Judah was confronted with the imminent attack by a massive enemy, they were instructed to go out against them with the singers leading the army, singing praise to the Lord. They were focused upon the Lord, not their circumstances and the Lord routed the enemy before them. (2 Chronicles 20)

Consider this. What would happen if every believer took their role as a worshiper to heart and made a commitment to worship God in private every day and not just when the body gathers once or twice a week? What would our corporate gatherings look like? How exciting would that be?

You and I were created to be worshipers. It's in our DNA. Let's live it!

Prayer Warriors

It happens from time-to-time, in our meeting with people to share with them about our ministry and invite them to partner with us financially, that the meeting turns out entirely different than expected.

Such is the case with two appointments we had in the past week.

Both meetings ended without gaining any monthly financial support. But that's obviously not what the Lord had in mind at all.

One meeting gave us the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. Not only that, they felt compelled that they should be praying for us very specifically and very fervently. They took detailed notes as to how they should be praying for us and promised to intercede on our behalf.

The other meeting gave us the opportunity to minister to and pray for some very specific things going on in their lives. They also have a desire to partner with us in prayer, and if things turn around for them financially, they want to join with us in that way as well.

But for now we have a few more prayer warriors. We love that, as prayer is the foundation of our ministry.

I heard this analogy once: When someone joins with a missionary or other Christian worker to pray for them and the success of their ministry, they are like the archers in ancient warfare. As those on the front line move forward to take ground and engage the enemy, the archers, behind the front line, fire their arrows over their compatriots to soften the defense of the enemy and make a way for a successful campaign. In the same way, the prayers of the prayer warriors precede the ones for whom they are praying to give them greater success in their work.

Let us know if you want to join forces with us in prayer as we continue to do the work He has called us to. Just drop us an email (garyandbeth@gmail.com).

Some days...

You know how you have a day planned and then from the get go, it takes on a life of its own and you live a day you didn't expect at all? That was today for us.

I was planning to work on some furniture repairs and do some ministry work and end up with a meal out with friends.

At 7:30 am I get a call from Molly who tells me that her car won't start. She lives on the north side of Pensacola and had class at 9:00 -- we live south of Pensacola, across the bay in Gulf Breeze. She describes the problem to me and I tell her I'll swing by Walmart to get her a new battery and then come to get her on her way. I had figured that the problem was with her battery or her starter.

Beth and I throw on some clothes and set out.

We arrive at Molly's apartment about 8:15, plenty of time to change out the battery, give Molly a hug and get her to class, right? Ha...

I test the battery. It's fine. But upon inspection of the connections, I quickly realize that the battery cable clamp has cracked where it attaches to the battery. I make a few calls and find out that I'll have to order a new cable (it's proprietary) for 80 bucks and wait 2-3 days for it to arrive. So I decide that I can fix it. Ha...

6 hours later, after several failed methods, I have effected repair of the battery cable successfully, but the car still won't start. Oy! So not only was there a problem with the battery cable, it now appears that her starter is dead.

After finding a garage that can repair it reasonably (that term is so relative, isn't it?), we call AAA.

Beth, who by this time has gone home, returns with a change of clothes and I take a quick shower. We then have 45 minutes to go to All Pro Sound to buy something that I need in the morning and make it to Chili's to meet our friends.

After such a day, it was nice to sit, relax and share together over a meal.

Now it's nice to put on our PJ's and go to sleep in our bed.

Good night.

Speaking of Hymns...

One of the things that is often overlooked by those involved in contemporary worship these days is the rich tradition of music left to us through the history of the church. This fact came back to me full force over the Christmas season, when I was reminded how many of the old standards in Christmas hymnody are unknown by the majority of today's non-denominational churchgoers -- especially the younger ones.

A friend sent me the words to this old hymn, which are a great example of the artistry found within many of the songs which have been left behind:

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

One problem is that most of us aren't used to language such as this anymore. It requires a lot of brain cells to think through the imagery and get to the heart of the message in the midst of engaging in worship.

Is there some way to practically and effectively bring back some of the depth and riches that may have been left behind?

Hmmm...

Times, they are a'changin'

Got this from Rick Muchow -- worship leader at Saddleback...

Top Reasons For Opposing the New Music Trend

1.It is too new, like an unknown language.
2.It is not as melodious as the more established style.
3.There are so many songs that it is impossible to learn them all.
4.It creates disturbances and causes people to act in an indecent and disorderly manner.
5.It places too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than on godly lyrics.
6.The lyrics are often worldly, even blasphemous.
7.It is not needed, since preceding generations have gone to heaven without it.
8.It monopolizes the Christian’s time and encourages then to stay out late.
9.These new musicians are young upstarts, and some of them are lewd and loose persons.

Adapted from a statement directed against the use of hymns, in 1723!

Some things never change, huh?