Prepared - Planted - Productive - Prosperous

As we begin the new year, let's look at the beginning of the great hymn book, The Psalms.  Psalm 1 begins with, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."   If we are to be effective worshippers in 2012, we must first prepare.  There is a negative and a positive here.  First, if we are to be effective in our worship, we must be careful who we "run with".  We need to be careful of our environment and surround ourselves with worshippers.  That is not to say that we aren't to reach out and be used of the Lord to create worshippers, but those relationships we hold closest should be fellow worshippers.  The positive preparation involves "delighting in God's Word and meditating on it day and night".  We can not be effective worshippers apart from saturating our lives with His Word.

Verse 3 goes on to say, "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers".  Prepared, planted, productive, and prosperous in worship.  A water pipe doesn't really change as water flows through it, however a tree does.  It receives nourishment as a living organism.  This wonderful, growing tree is a picture of a righteous worshipper.  This tree is planted, productive, and prosperous.  God's Word constantly enlightens our worship.  If we are planted, we are firmly rooted in our worship.  If we are productive, we are effective in glorifying God, edifying the body, and evangelizing the lost, creating worshippers.  If we are prosperous, we are showing the world God's blessing and glory.  May we enter 2012, prepared, planted, productive, and prosperous for the glory of the Lord!   mjm

Impromptu Worship and Praise

Mary was completely overwhelmed by God's goodness when she broke into spontaneous praise and worship of the Lord . . . "My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior."(Luke 1: 46-47)  A person who knows God and is experiencing Him intimately will sing to the Lord in deepest praise even as Mary did.  Mary gave one of the most beautiful songs of praise found in scripture.  Our Lord created us for praise and it will be our occupation as we gather around the throne in heaven.  

We should never have any problem having reason to praise.  When we remember all that God has given us beginning with our redemption thru Jesus Christ, our response will be praise.  Our praise according to Scripture should be both private and public in our worship.  When we consider the boundless love and mercy of our Lord, you will want to sing His praises as Mary did.  Impromptu praise is real and authentic.    This kind of praise doesn't have to be manipulated or orchestrated.  This kind of praise is our own expression of a thankful heart and an awe-filled life that has encountered the living, holy God.  How we need to learn unprompted praise.  If we praise on a consistent basis, our whole attitude and altitude will change.  Let us praise Him now and forever - God with us!  mjm

Believe and Receive

I often ask the question - Do we approach our private devotional worship and our public worship as we gather as God's family, believing God?  In God's way of doing things in the kingdom, believing is a definite  prerequisite to receiving.  In Luke 1:45 we see that principle at work . . . "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." God spoke to Mary assuring her that He would be with her in what seemed to be an impossible situation.  He had everything in place to act.  But, first she had to believe Him.  It takes a pure and undivided heart to believe God under the kind of circumstances in which Mary found herself.  

It has always been this way as God works with His people.  Mary could not see how God's plan was unfolding in the courts of heaven.  She could not see the hosts of angels preparing to protect her and the baby.  She had no idea of the future planned.  She only knew that God had spoken to her and that was enough.  Her response: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be according to your Word"  (Luke 1:38). 

When God speaks through His Word and Spirit about His plan, He does it with everything already in place to fulfill His Word.  All He asks of us is to believe and act on that belief in what He has spoken.  It is possible for us to experience great blessings and His glory when we simply trust Him wholly.  Mary could not have imagined the results of her faithful obedience.  Likewise we have no idea what He has in store for us when we believe.  He knows when and where He will bring salvation to those we pray for.  He knows how He will heal the friend that we dare to "stand in the gap" for.  He knows how He will provide our every need and the needs of those we pray for.  He knows how He will show his glory when we faithfully believe.  He has everything in place.  All we have to do - - is  - - believe.  He came among us - so we could believe and receive.  Hallelujah!  What a Savior.  mjm

The Day of the Lord

In the Word there are many references  to the day of the Lord.  Many times it refers to either the first coming or the second coming of Jesus.  But it can refer to any time God comes to His people either in salvation or judgement.  The day of the Lord also refers to the day of worship.  And, we see both salvation and judgement sometimes involved even in our day of worship.

Amos predicted that the day of the Lord would be different than what people might expect.  Some of the people of his day thought there would be joy and singing, and even though that could be at times, we see Amos saying that there would also be grieving and judgement. When Jesus came the first time, it caught many by surprise.  Because they were expecting Him to come in a different way, many didn't recognize Him.

The final day of the Lord will be at the second coming of Christ.  In the mean time, there will be times when God will come to you, your family and your friends.  As we see God at work in both ourselves and others, we realize again that the day of the Lord is at hand.  As God does His special work in ours and others lives, we need to be sensitive and intercede as God does His work among us.  May we be always preparing and praying for the day of the Lord in our lives and in our worship, and therefore experience His presence and power mightily at work glorifying His name.  mjm

Preparing for God's Presence

If we want to see the powerful presence of God, then we have to prepare for it.  The prophet Isaiah is quoted in Luke 3:4,6 "Prepare the way of the Lord;  Make His paths straight . . . And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."  We see John the Baptist in (Matt. 3:2) telling people to prepare the way . . . "for the kingdom is at hand."  Those who heard his message and prepared their lives recognized Jesus when He came.  Preparation always precedes God's presence!  I have said this many times to the worship leading choir in our church.  We must prepare spiritually and musically if we want to experience and see others experience the presence of the Lord.

What is the first step in preparation according to John?  Repentance.  That is the beginning of our spiritual preparation.  When Jesus came, the religious leaders of the day were not prepared and preferred their religious rituals over coming to join Him.

If we are not prepared, we will miss experiencing Jesus in worship, both private and public worship.  We can practice "religion" and still miss God.  While others encounter the living God personally, our hearts can remain unmoved if we don't prepare.  If we don't prepare, others will receive a fresh word from God while we experience a painful silence.  Religious activity can never be a substitute for a heart that is pure before Him in worship.  

Preparation had to be made for His first coming.  Preparation has to be made for His presence in our worship.  And, preparation has to be made for the next time He comes in splender and glory?  Are you prepared for God's presence now and then?  mjm

Family Christmas/Family Worship

"Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." (Rom. 12:8-10)  Verse 10 in other translations - "Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other."  - "Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle." - "Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another." - "Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves."

I ask, "Could we have seen 'worship wars', which were actually music style wars, in any church where this verse was being put to practice?"  Mature Christianity displays honoring others more than ourselves and even putting their preferences above our own desires."  Any so-called "worship wars" could be totally avoided by one verse.  

Christmas and Worship are both family time.  Family is very important to both celebrations.  We all have experienced the give and take and sometimes honoring others' traditions and desires when we celebrate Christmas as a family.  And you know, it is good...well, usually. The Christ-like way is not necessarily always conceding, but it is an attitude of Godly submission and humility.  A family is made up of many different ages and generations and we give to one another not only gifts, but the gift of honoring one another's wishes and desires as we celebrate together.

Worship should be so informed.  It is the gathered family of God with an attitude of honoring others over our own selfish desires or preferences.  How we need to remember that there is worship music that may not speak to us, but yet at the same time touches someone else very deeply.  Ultimately worship is not about a style of worship or music.  It is about Him.  And, if we are tuned to Him when we enter, we will worship.  Worship for the body of Christ is about a very important family gathering.  Let's not lose sight of that.  mjm

Exultation!!!

The word exultation has the meaning of giving forth lively and triumphant joy.  The word is certainly an appropriate word for Christmas and worship year round.  Psalm 47 says, "Clap your hands, all peoples!  Shout to God with loud songs of joy!  God has gone up with shouts of joy and the sounding of trumpets. Sing praise to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises." (vv. 1, 5-6)  This psalm gives a very graphic picture of great drama in worship.  The ancient believers allowed themselves to get completely caught up in worship.  They praised with every part of their being - intellectually, emotionally, and physically.  They worshipped God with all of the five senses - sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.  We see this psalm literally pulsating and resonating with passion and a sense of victory.

Take note of the verbs, "clap, shout, sing" and notice they are imperatives.  Worship half-done or with a lack-luster attitude is not acceptable.  Why such joy? . . . because the King has subdued nations, chosen our inheritance and has gone up amid shouts of joy.  

We need to attend church worship as passionately involved worshippers, rather than spectators.  Don Wyrtzen once said, "Church services are not sit-coms which 'couch potatoes' view for entertainment."  They should be dynamic, engaging encounters with God which are challenging and even sometimes a bit uncomfortable.  We need to learn to praise Him with vigor and unrestrained passion.  We need to be able to let go of our personality, have our sensitivity to the Spirit enhanced and grow in our creativity so that we can lift the Lord high in worship and glory!  The real question - do you truly come in joy and exultation to worship and expect an engagement and encounter with a living, loving Lord?  May we grow in our experiencing Him in worship together.  mjm

No Worship - No Mission - No Power

Worship is our way of inviting God's power and presence to be free to move among those who have gathered to worship Him.  The authentic worship of believers will draw non-Christians to Christ as they see believers engage with the living God.  In a very real sense true worship is evangelistic and will be used of God to accomplish His mission of redeeming man back to Himself.  The world is dying because of a lack of the knowledge of God, and churches are starving to experience the presence of God.  We need to gather, expecting the presence of God among us to change believers and draw the hearts of non-believers every time we gather for worship.

But, also we are promised the power of His presence in our lives continually if and . . . when we are involved in going into all the world in His authority making disciples, baptizing them in His name, and teaching them to observe all that He has commanded (Matt. 28:10-20).  Our involvement can be through praying, going, and giving so that others can go fulfilling His command.  As we do these things we are promised His presence, always.  Without our participation in worship of Him and participation in His mission there will be no power.  We have a Church today who needs to experience His manifest power and we certainly have a world who needs to see His unexplained power of redemption and mission being carried out by His church.  May He use our own local body of believers coming together this week-end to give more than a half million dollars . . . every dollar leaving our church and going to the world to carry His redeeming grace.  Actually, in the midst of a bad economy and pouring rain all morning, we gave over $515,000.  And may that be a testimony and demonstration of real worship and involvement in the mission of our Lord that impacts our world for Christ. mjm

Unbroken Circle of Blessing

In a real sense there is an unbroken circle of blessing involved in worship.  God blesses us - we bless Him - we bless others and they in turn bless others and bless Him . . . and on it goes.  The circle of blessing begins and ends with Him!  

Psalm 67 brings this out.  In v. 1 - God blesses us and makes His face shine upon us.  Why?  . . . so that His way and saving power will be known among all nations. (v.2)   The entire Psalm emphasizes the praise, singing and worship of all people and how that blesses others and blesses Him.

As we have seen in other places in God's Word our worship is not complete unless it informs, inspires, and includes others seeing and fearing and trusting in Him.  

We have the wonderful opportunity during this Christmas Season of gathering as the body of Christ and worshipping the Lord . . . blessing Him with our worship and blessing others by sharing Christ through witness, praying, and giving sacrificially to missions so that others may be blessed by the Blessed Redeemer and we might be a part of all that He is doing in the world around us as He seeks to reclaim all who were lost.  As our Pastor said, "We are blessed so that we can bless others so that He will be blessed and glorified!  May we be a part of the unbroken circle of blessing during this special season.  mjm

Thanksgiving/Thanks-living/Thanks-giving

There is a hymn, written just a few years ago by Terry York, that expresses what I am wanting to say better than I about our worship next week: 

Our life and its sustaining breath and life that's promised after death come from God, our heavenly Father.

He gives us freedom from our fears; food, friends, and purpose thro' the years.

All the words of our Thanksgiving fail to say what we can show by our Thanks-living.

A life of living thankfulness moves lifeless words to willingness; willingness to serve our Father.

That service, born of love, demands our hearts, our minds, our strength, our hands.

All the words of our Thanksgiving fail to say what we can show by our Thanks-living.

Our deepest love and highest praise in both routine and festive days sing of You, our heavenly Father.

Yet, while our songs of praise arise, deep in our hearts we realize all the words 

 of our Thanksgiving fail to say what we can show by our Thanks-living and our Thanks-giving!

Next week our church will have opportunity to turn our Thanksgiving in to Thanks-living and Thanks-giving as we give more than $500,000.00 to World Missions - to the world with love from the First Family!

mjm

Thanksgiving Gifts

When it comes to gifts, God doesn't give wimpy gifts.  When He decided to give a gift, He gave Himself for our salvation.  The utmost gift He could give was to give the gift of knowing Him and the ability to have an intimate relationship with Him.  Is there anything we could possibly be more thankful for than His gift?
It is wonderful having children, grandchildren, family and friends around us during the holidays.  But, even as we prepare to give gifts, do we follow the model set before us by our Lord?  We tend to get caught up in things we can give when God has shown us that the most important thing we can give is ourselves.  That is the utmost gift  -  the gift of ourselves to others, just as our Lord has done for us.  And the beauty is that when we give ourselves, as redeemed ones we are giving not only ourselves but we are also sharing the light of Christ who lives in us and loves through us.
So, in the midst of thanksgiving as we celebrate His utmost gift to us; may we prepare to give the utmost gift of our redeemed selves to others that He might be glorified. "As the Father hath sent me, so send I you."  Let's stop and pray for God to reveal to us the many ways we can gift ourselves this Thanksgiving and Christmas.  mjm

Proclaiming the Gospel of the Glory of Christ

In 2 Chronicles the gospel is called the "gospel of the glory of Christ."  In chapter 4, verse 3- 4 Paul says,   ". . . those who are perishing have been blinded by the god of this world keeping them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."  Jesus is . . . " the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature". (Heb. 1:3) 

Everything the Father has accomplished through Jesus was for the glory of the Father.  God's glory is centered in the gospel and we are called to share the gospel and give God the glory due His name.  For anyone or anything to claim God's glory is to invite the wrath of a jealous God.  Isaiah 42:8 says that God will not give His glory to another.  

The very mission of God is to show and proclaim His glory.  As His disciples, this mission is inherently our mission also.  We are to join God on His mission.  Everything in our lives is for the sole purpose of glorifying Him.  I heard of a church whose mission statement is LPLGWW, "Living proof of a loving God to a watching world".  We are ultimately to find our fulfillment in becoming a part of His mission by proclaiming the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, to the glory of the Father.   Soli deo Gloria - to God alone be glory!  mjm

Proclamation in Worship

Authentic worship will always include a passion to proclaim the glory of the Lord in the world and within our own personal sphere of influence.  In our seeking to glorify God there must be a commitment on our part to glorify God by the proclaiming of His salvation, which becomes the inevitable fruit and culmination of our true worship.

Unfortunately we live in a day where many believers pray more about their own prosperity and their own personal breakthroughs than for the progress of the gospel in God's kingdom.  Too many times we become more concerned about what Christianity has for us and how we can be blessed rather than seeking to be involved with God and His kingdom purposes in the world.  We live in a day when churches sometimes use the number of buildings and programs as a barometer rather than actual ministry, missions, and evangelism.

When the church becomes full of mature, authentic worshippers of God which He has called us to be, we will become concerned with bearing fruit the world over, proclaiming the glory of God.  We need to join together in seeking God and praying that He will ignite a fire among His people.  Praying that He will raise up an army of worshippers and followers of Jesus who are completely surrendered to Him and to proclaiming His glory to the ends of the earth through praying, giving, and going.  mjm

Acts of Worship

In Matthew 25 Jesus shows a separation of the sheep from the goats.  The sheep, representing the believers, are not known by what their favorite worship song or hymn is, not by what their great theological knowledge is, not by how expressive they are in worship, not by their great knowledge of doctrine; no, they are known by: 

"I was hungry and you fed me.  I was thirsty and you gave me a drink.  I was homeless and you gave me a room.  I was shivering and you gave me clothes.  I was sick and you stopped to visit.  I was in prison and you came to me."

Jesus is really saying to us that these are acts of worship, loving Him enough to do these things as unto Him.  This is where authentic, honest worship will always ultimately take us.  The goal is to always love the Lord with all that we are and the continuation and fruit of that worship is proclaiming Him to the world through these acts of worship that Jesus brings out in this parable.

"To hold a hand, to touch a heart, to see a need, to play a part,

to speak the truth, to hear a cry, to walk by faith,

and not walk by."

                          - - Randy Vader--

Is the motivation for doing these things to be seen and admired or is it that we would want no reward other than the enjoyment of glorifying Him? Acts of Worship proclaim Him to a waiting world.  mjm

Proclaiming - Worship, Singing, Missions

Psalm 96 is known as the "missionary psalm".  It has to do with declaring or proclaiming the glory of God.  And we see the wedding of worship, singing, and God's heart for missions all the way through the Psalm.

Verse 1 - "Sing to the Lord . . .all the earth!" v.2 - "Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day."  v. 3 - "Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous work among all peoples." v. 5 - "The gods of the people are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens." v. 7 - "Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, . . ." v. 8 - "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts!" v. 9 - "Worship the Lord . . ." v. 10 - "Say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns!'" v. 11,  ". . . let the earth rejoice."

This Psalm is literally packed with references to worship, singing, and missions.  It is obvious they all go together in the master plan and providence of our God.  We can not separate them, because our Lord intended that they all go together.  We must not be afraid to become involved at every level in God's master plan.

We used to joke at seminary that if you wanted to see the chapel empty of people, schedule Mission's Week.  The crowds would thin out during that week.  Preachers and musicians on campus were scared to death that if they attended, God might call them to deep, dark Africa.  How sad that you would even see that on a seminary campus.

Our worship choir will lead a worship time on Sunday challenging us to be involved in worship, singing, and missions in all the world.  We will be challenged to not fear the darkness, but to seek the light and seek to be the light to a world in desperate need of a Savior through going, giving, and praying. 

Please pray that God will move freely among us as we worship together on Sunday and are challenged by a stirring musical message to get in on what God is doing in our world today!  mjm

Proclaiming God to the World

If we proclaim God inside the walls of the church only, we have shortchanged the ultimate fulfillment of a true and authentic worship.  Authentic worship must always be fulfilled  with the church being the body of Christ in the world.  We can spend hours and hours every week of our church life in passionate prayer, worship, preaching and teaching, but if that doesn't culminate in ministry out in the world then our worship is faulty and possibly false worship.  It is God's heart and mission to proclaim Who He is to the world.  The proclamation of God includes missions and evangelism, but even more than that.

Therefore, true worship seeks to make God known.  It is impossible for us to truly seek God with all our hearts, adore Him and glorify Him in our worship, apart from being ones who proclaim God faithfully.

How do we proclaim Him?  We proclaim Him by becoming more and more like Him as we seek Him.  We proclaim Him by living Godward lives in our sphere of influence.  And yes, we proclaim Him by ministering to those in need and through missions, praying, going, and giving and through evangelizing the lost.  

Our greatest opportunity of proclaiming God is being who we are in Christ.  What and who we are, our way of thinking, acting, and living, is the way we best proclaim the message of Christ.  It becomes the fruit of our lives and the fruit of our worship.  mjm

The Sun Never Sets on Worship

The subtitle of our Missions Musical says, "The sun never sets on the praises of the Lord."  We begin our month long missions emphasis in our church this Sunday.  While it is true that God's praise is being heard in every time zone at all times, it also behooves us to remember that there are still 3,800 unengaged, unreached people groups around our world.  Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20 and other passages remind us of our call to know the heart of God and act accordingly.

I Corinthians 12:27 says, "All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it."  We are called collectively and individually to be His heart, His hands, His voice in carrying out the Great Commission as an outgrowth of living the Great Commandment.

His heart - reminds us we need to seek the heart of God both collectively and individually and come to know His redemptive, missional heart for people who have never heard and never had the chance to receive His love. Our worship should lead us to know the heart of God in a way that it transforms us in our attitude and compassion for a lost and dying world.

His hands - reminds us that our worship is incomplete if it doesn't move us out to touch, minister, and reach people who need Him -  in Rockwall, in Dallas and Rockwall counties, in Texas, in North America, and in all the rest of the world, remembering that many of the world are coming to our doorstep.  In a sense you don't even have to leave the country to be involved in "international missions" anymore.

His voice - the proclaiming of the good news by sharing, ministering, teaching, singing, preaching . . . in so many ways we become His voice of comfort and challenge.  May our voices both reach others and challenge one another to be a part of God's mission by praying, going and giving.  His Heart, His Hands, His Voice . . . all for His Glory!  mjm

How Big is Your God?

All through Scripture we find references to "mighty God".  Also, "God's mighty power", "mighty to save", "mighty hand of God", "mighty God of Jacob", "mighty defender", "mighty One", "God's mighty works", "mighty power".  On and on we see a big, mighty God described in the Word and you remember what happens when Isaiah gets a vision of Him in chapter 6 of that book.  So what keeps us from seeing just how big and mighty our God is?

I think there are several things that block our vision of Who God truly is. We, not He, sometimes make Him smaller than He is in our own hearts and minds.

One is a lack of spending time with Him in personal private worship and devotion, getting a glimpse of who He is on a regular basis.  We so neglect spending time with Him, yet it is indicated in His Word that he longs for us to do this.

Two is we are easily distracted by this world and all it has to offer, and therefore fail to truly get a vision of the Mighty God who is at work in our lives and our world - carrying out His kingdom and mission.

Three, sometimes in our attainment of knowledge and technology we have become too intellectual or have gone beyond simple faith in the Creator and Sustainer of life.  I just finished reading the biography of Steve Jobs.  I was amazed at his insight, intellect, and intuition, and yet, evidently, he was never able to put his simple faith in a loving, caring God and trust Christ as his Savior.  What a tragedy to be as brilliant as he was and yet seemingly miss the "light of the world".  

If we are not careful all of us, even as believers, tend to ignore what God puts right in front of us and forget that He is with us moment by moment, working out His plan and purpose for both us and His kingdom.  I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss what our Mighty God has for us.  Let's continue to seek Him with all our heart, soul, and mind - worshipping our Creator and Sustainer, Who is truly worthy of our worship!  mjm

Diverse Worship, both Local and Global

As our church approaches our season of emphasis on world missions, I am reminded of how diverse and global our worship continues to become.  Without really thinking about it, we have been singing hymns multi-culturally for years as we sang, English hymns, German hymns, Wesleyan hymns, American Gospel hymns, African American spirituals, Camp Revival songs . . . all of these being born out of a particular culture or sub-culture.  

A lot of the "contemporary choruses" we are singing today are coming from other countries and cultures.  I approach the worship of our local church much as I did the mission field in that you have to determine the best resources to use in a particular culture or sub-culture in helping people use their heart language to worship the Lord more effectively.  Because we are a multigenerational church we have to approach worship as multigenerational and to some extent multicultural.  

Diversity is not born our of a "political correctness" which we hear about all the time now.  Our concern with diversity comes from our deep understanding of the gospel and God's intention for the body.

First of all, we belong together as "one body" in Christ.  We live in a church age where the church could be overdoing the dividing up of generations when it goes beyond small group Bible study and starts dividing the body for worship.  That is not Biblical.  We are to be one body, one family in our worship.

Second, unity-in-diversity is patterned after the mind of Christ and the trinitarian God we worship. We should work and worship with each other where special concerns become mutual concerns and we "count others more significant than ourselves."This is the fellowship we have in Christ, koinonia. 

Finally, the Word of God constantly and consistently paints a picture of the coming Kingdom of God in which people from every tribe, nation, people, and tongue gather around the throne in praise bringing their gift of worship to God.  When we worship with a global expansive worship we are preparing ourselves for that time when we will join all the peoples of God in wonder, love and praise of the Father.  

When I left Zimbabwe, Africa, I told my students, one day we will join together again as the global body of believers in worship of Him!  mjm

"Eyes of My Heart" Worship

Well, I began the day on Saturday in the Opthamologist's office, because of black cobwebs and blurring of my vision, where we discovered I had a tear in my retina that had to be repaired with laser.  In relation to this weekend's worship and spending the day with some discomfort and impaired vision, I got to thinking.

We are singing "open the eyes of my heart, Lord".  When we take the time and effort to truly see God we will end up as scripture shows us in Isaiah 6 with some basic revelations.  One, we will see who we are; two, we will cry out, "Holy, Holy, Holy"; and three, we will begin to see God's heart and plan and want to be a part of what He is doing.  Paul's goal was, "that I may know Him".
Chapter 11 of Deuteronomy, from the Youngs Literal Translation, says,  "But it is your eyes which are seeing all the great work of Jehovah, which He hath done."  Later, it talks about keeping the statutes of the Lord on the door posts so that our children are constantly "seeing" them before them.  And then, we are challenged to diligently keep all His commandments, to love Jehovah, walk in all His ways and cleave to Him.  Then He says, "'See', I am setting before you to-day a blessing and a reviling, the blessing if you hold to my commands, and reviling if you don't."
Why do we sometimes not see?  Or what keeps us from the vision that God would have us have.  I am afraid our vision is impaired by the tangled dark webs of our lives and the things we put before Him.  Our vision of Him becomes blurred or distorted and therefore we are not sure of His purpose in our lives and His kingdom.  May the honest and impassioned plea of our hearts be, "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, that I may see You" and we will sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy" and will be clear about His mission!  mjm

Every Tribe, Language, People, and Nation

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priest to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.' Then I looked, and heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of triads and thousands of thousands, saying, with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!'"(Revelation 5:9-12).

What a week of vacation -  staying here close to home, fellowshipping with long time missionary friends who spent 31 years in Africa (being in Zimbabwe with us part of the time we were there).  

First, we witnessed two Muslim couples being baptized because of their faith in Christ at a church on Sunday morning.  Then, on Sunday evening we worshipped with the most diverse congregation ethnically we have ever been a part of, with the Dallas Baptist Association of churches.  Our association of churches has over 71 different language groups worshipping every Lord's Day.  The world has come to us.  We sang praise in several different languages on Sunday evening with this diverse congregation, and at one point during the chorus of "How Great Thou Art" were encouraged by the worship leader to sing in our own heart language.  What a glorious sound of many different languages giving praise to our Lord.  It reminded me of the Revelation passage quoted above.  

It also reminded me that again, it is not about music style, language, particular culture, or even what I might be comfortable with at the moment.  It is about the ransomed people of God joining around His throne and singing, "Worthy is the Lamb"!  After those experiences on Sunday, we have spent the last three days in African Markets and Restaurants visiting and fellowshipping with our African brothers and sisters.  Almost feels as if we spent our vacation in Africa and didn't even have to leave home.  Glory, Honor, and Blessing be to our wonderful Lord!  Pray for our Mission's Musical "Into all the World" to be presented in our church on November 13 during each of the three morning services!!!  mjm

Angels and Worship

Hearing a great message about angels from Jack Graham, while on vacation this morning, got me thinking in this direction.  Psalm 103:20ff - "Bless the Lord, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, obeying the voice of His word.  Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His ministers, who do His will!  Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion.  Bless the Lord, O my soul!"  Just in this one passage we see that angels are worshippers and that they are warriors.  

Interesting, as I have asked for years for our worship leading choir to be worshipping prayer warriors and we now have a group of folks in our church who have joined us in praying for both private worship and the gatherings of the body of Christ in worship.  

Notice, an angel's purpose is to worship the Lord and make sure His sovereign will is accomplished.  They don't exist to bring attention to themselves, but to give honor and worship and focus on Him and the accomplishing of His Holy will.  And notice in this passage they bring attention to both the Lord because of who He is, and also bring attention to His great works in all places over which He has dominion.

So, as exemplified by angels created by God, the worship is not about them and it is not about us.  It is about Him.  And their purpose is to see that the sovereign will of God is done, even as we are to focus on our purpose of seeing that His will, not ours but His, is done in His kingdom.  So may we not only be blessed by the fact, according to Scripture, that there are angels who are charged with worship and working out God's will, but may we also learn something from them about our own purpose in glorifying Him and being a servant of His kingdom and will here in earth as it is in Heaven.  mjm

Worship Style or Music Style???

I'm afraid over the past few years, people have gotten the two confused.  Some people think music style determines worship style, but that is really not the case.  They are two different things altogether.  

Because of my own personal experiences of the last two weeks, this has been brought up to me often.  Last week I was in an associational revival and talked with folks from several different churches.  Monday and Tuesday of this week I was in an executive committee meeting in Tulsa that put me in direct contact with several State Music Directors, Baptist College Music Professors, Seminary Professors, and local Ministers of Music or Worship.  Therefore, these last two weeks I heard a lot of discussion about churches who had gone to separate "kinds" of worship services, i.e., Contemporary, Traditional, or Blended.  

Many churches who previously went to separated services are now asking how to get back to one.  Why?  Mostly because of the way it has divided the body and the fellowship of churches involved.  I heard one after another talk about how it had become more divisive after going to multiple kinds of services than it was before.  And, some who were trying to go back to one were also seeing selfishness rather than servanthood exhibited.  When did "I want what I want" become the mark of a follower of Christ?  That exact question was asked of me.  

First of all, it is never to be about style.  It is to be about Him.  Second, we in the body need to Biblically yield one to another, putting others before ourselves.  Third, every church is different.  For instance our church is a multi-generational church.  We have managed, with God's help, to keep the Body together as one and do worship style and music style that touches all generations.  We must minister and worship with "all" the body of Christ.  It is family worship.  And, that is Biblical.  You can't find Scripture that supports the idea of splitting up the family of God in worship into different age groups or style preferences.  We need to pray that satan will not be given a victory in something that should be all about our Lord!  May we put Him first and have His attitude, found in Philippians 2, where Christ humbles Himself, taking on the very nature of a servant. May we worship "together"!  mjm

A Personal Observation

Just over a year ago we started writing this blog on worship.  The very first blog was "Igniting a Passion for the Presence of God".  We talked about one of George Barna's reports that many who attended church here in America said they never experienced the presence of God in worship.  Heartbreaking,  for sure.  We also talked about Psalm 40:3-4 and how when people see us singing His (new) song in the midst of all the messiness of life, they will be drawn to Him and put their trust in Him.  

During this last year I have seen our own local church grow in their passion for His presence, both in their private and public worship.  And it is not because of a blog; it is because at least over 200 people are praying every week for the gathering of God's people on Sunday to worship Him, and praying that the members of our church will grow daily in their own personal daily worship and devotions.  There have been more people talk to me about "worship" as opposed to the "music" of the service this last year than ever before.  I have had people tell me how much they have grown in their understanding of and participation in worship this past year than ever before.  Our Worship Leading Choir continues to emphasize the importance of all of us praying for worship.  And more than 120 people have committed as Worshipping Prayer Warriors in our church to pray for one another and specifically for our worship.  God has spoken through His Word through our Pastor and Assistant Pastor this past year in power as God's people have prayed.  Our congregation has shown an intensity and focus in the midst of worship of Him.  There have been high and holy moments of spontaneous response to the overwhelming presence of the Lord.  There has been the glorious singing of the people of God!

None of this is something we control.  It is of Him, by Him, and for Him.  It is for His glory and the building up of the Body.  Praise the Lord we know by His Word that if we are faithful to worship authentically and passionately, then we will become much more effective as salt and light in a dark and needy world.  May they continue seeing us worshiping Him and "singing the new song"!  mjm

Our Private Worship Time

I remember as a young teenager reading about the great men and women of God who spent an enormous amount of time with God each day in private worship.  I remember making attempts to do the same and failing time after time.  Then, I read a simple tract by Dr. Stephen Olford, "Seven Minutes with God" that gave direction in how to start small with just seven minutes and then allow that to grow into a longer time with God each day. 

I can not over emphasize the importance of our private worship time and how it directly impacts our corporate worship as the Body of Christ gathers for worship each week.  If you have been struggling, let me encourage you to try again and just start with a few minutes.

Of course you have to figure out a place and a time that you won't be disturbed.  Then, come before the Lord and wait for a minute or two.  "Be still and know that I am God".  Don't rush into His presence.  Then simply pray a short prayer asking God to lead you in a time of private worship.  Next, open God's Word and read and meditate on a short passage asking God to speak to your heart.  This time is not a one way conversation.  Allow Him to speak through His Word.  It is God speaking directly to you through the enlightenment of His Spirit in you.  Then spend a few moments worshipping Him possibly by both singing and praying to Him seeking to bless Him.  Finally bring your petitions and needs before Him for others and your own walk with Him.  

Many of you have an established time of devotion and private worship.  Continue to nurture and grow it.  If not, start small and let it grow.  And, may we all commit to praying for our fellow believers.  We would be shocked to know how many never spend daily time with Him.  Let's pray specifically that those numbers of the Body will increase and we will see how it impacts our corporate worship and the glory of God!   mjm

Worship - Theological or Anthropological?

Sally Morgenthaler has been known for her passion for relevance of worship in the post modern world.  It is interesting that even in the midst of her belief in the use of digital technology and well crafted worship, she contends that we have a great need to return to Biblically based worship.  

If not careful, contemporary worship becomes simply need-oriented; too focused on human needs, feelings, and perceptions.  

Rather, as time moves on, we are seeing a movement toward focusing on who God is, who we are, and who we were created to become.  That takes our worship discussion from anthropology to theology.  A Biblical basis for proper anthropology is: God's revealing the human condition and the need for reconciliation and forgiveness.  It is the recovery of God's story and  how our stories become connected with Him.

We don't need more of our culture in worship from the world we live in.  The Bible teaches clearly that the church is to keep three relationships to our culture at once.  It is part of the culture; it is the opposite of the culture; and, it is called to transform the culture.  

As we see how these things are held in tension with our culture, and give thought and understanding to the truth, we will see our worship becoming more Biblical and authentic and probably simpler in nature.  

I believe we have come through years of emphasizing what man needs from worship rather than having God-centered worship.  Bottom line, may we be more concerned with being Biblical in our worship.  After all, as we have said before, it is about Him.  He is our audience of one in worship.  mjm

Worship Music - a way to Grace

We have well established that our worship is primarily for God.  Therefore our worship music is to glorify and exalt Him.  But secondarily, worship music is also a way to edify the body of believers.  It should be a way of grace to bring the body as a whole, and individually, to a point of experiencing God in His fullness and grace.  Worship music not only honors and glorifies the Lord, but helps strengthen and sustain the spiritual life of the saints and should unify the saints.

According to scripture, when our worship music is a sacrifice of praise unto God it will at the same time strengthen the believer and make the sinner desire to have fellowship with God. (Psalm 40:3) Our worship music has the power to draw believers into His presence and is an instrument of the Holy Spirit to draw sinners to Christ.

The goal of worship music should be to cause the whole congregation, both sinner and saint, to center their attention and focus upon God.  Even though a sinner can't worship, his attention should be drawn to our Lord being worshipped. Psalm 34:8 would indicate that sinners could recognize that believers are "tasting and seeing that the Lord is good".  

Our worship music should make all aware that God is holy and He is present in our worship.  Psalm 22:3 tells us that God "sits down among" or "dwells in the midst" of praise.  He comes to dwell with us that we might know Him intimately.  Our worship should focus on Him, not our problems, not our position, not our performance, not our personal tastes.  Our full focus and attention should be on worshipping, magnifying, extolling, and honoring the Living Lord.  Then, worship music becomes a way to grace.   mjm

Church Music Matters

One author has said that church music matters, but that it is not everything.  A good word to us musicians.  However some don't see that it does matter.  Also, some mistake Christian Music for Church Music.  They are not the same.  They have different purposes and philosophies.  God created music for the same purpose He created everything - to glorify Him!  Church Music does matter.

We first see in ancient Israel that church music matters.  When you read the account in the Old Testament we see how God considers it very serious business.  He even called it prophesying, putting the giving of God's musical message right up there with the Major and Minor Prophets.

The detail that God goes into shows us that the temple musicians were set apart for ministry and service to Jehovah God to make music.  It was such a serious endeavor that He made sure they were trained by the chief Levite musicians.

Then we see that the curriculum for the Levite's sons was instruction in the songs of the Lord.  The Levite School of Musicians did not train in the performance practice of Israel's ungodly neighbors.  They taught their sons and the people to sing the songs of Jehovah. We certainly need to follow their example and teach at church through preschool and children's choirs and youth, at home, in Christian Schools, Christian Colleges and Seminaries; teaching them to sing and play the songs that truly honor and glorify God.

Not only must we instruct them in God's songs, we must teach them to know the Lord personally.  Not only do we need to pray for them, but we need to teach them to pray and seek the Lord before they choose and perform in the worship of the church.

Finally, (for today) we must constantly remind church musicians that there is a war between the flesh and the Spirit.  We must teach that there is a distinct difference between the music of the world and church music.  We must remind them that worldly music has never had anything to do with grace.  Yes, Church Music Matters in God's plan and purpose.  May we be found singing and playing His Song!  mjm 

When Ceasing is Worship

Marva Dawn, in her book "Keeping the Sabbath Wholly" (not misspelled),  points out some interesting principles of "ceasing" that I want to summarize in my own words.  In Gen. 2:3, we find these words, "And God blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy, because on it He ceased from all the work of creating that He had done."

What are we teaching our children and grandchildren about the principle of the Sabbath?  Do we just say, "we are going to church?"  Or do we say, "the Lord has taught us to set aside a time where we 'cease' doing other things and wait before Him?"  There is an obvious importance put on ceasing on a day set apart as Holy unto Him.  What are some of the principles of "ceasing"?

We should cease to work. Most Americans work flat out 5 days a week and then try to catch up around the house and yard, take kids here and there on Saturday and Sunday to the exclusion of having a day of ceasing.  God is saying to us that we can't keep breaking the rhythm of life as He provided and not suffer consequences.

We should also cease productivity and accomplishment.  Our culture worships productivity and accomplishment and we make it about a person's self-worth.  When we meet someone, we don't say, tell me about you.  We say, "What do you do?"  But the Sabbath principle is about setting aside a day to remember that we are precious in God's sight and lavishly loved by Him, not because of what we produce.

We should cease anxiety, worry, and stress.  In Phil. 4 Paul clearly instructs us to "Rejoice in the Lord . . . and to not be anxious or worry about anything, presenting our requests to the Lord and letting His peace in Christ Jesus transform our attitudes."  Keeping the Sabbath helps us to do this.

We also need to cease trying to be God in our lives.  If we stop working, accomplishing and worrying we are freed by the Sabbath principle from the need of creating our own future.  God shows us over and over in the Old Testament that God will provide.

We can cease from our possessiveness, being a slave to our culture, and meaninglessness if we will but be faithful to observe the Sabbath principle. The Sabbath separates us from things, conforms our lives to the living Word rather than culture, and gives us a chance to celebrate the life God has given us.

May we learn to cease and therefore worship.  mjm

Servanthood in Worship

We usually think of servanthood as serving others outside the walls of the church, which is the last part of our worship, always.  We haven't truly worshipped Him authentically unless it blooms into serving and ministering to others.  But, servanthood should play a part in the "gathering" as God's people join together for worship.  Our pastor shared eloquently this morning on the subject of servanthood, emphasizing our servanthood in the world.  But, I want to relate the principle of what he said to the actual gathering of the people of God, for the actual worship gathering or worship service.

We live in a day where there have been "worship wars" in churches of every denomination.  Number one -  if there is a war there's not much true worship going on.  We believers are sometimes so selfish and even prideful when it comes to worship music that it is not even funny, and worst of all not Biblical.  A variety is indicated in scripture: "...psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs".  And the servant spirit or attitude among the body is indicated in several places, but because of space we will hone in on Rom. 12:10 where it says for the body to "yield to one another" or in other words, "give preference to one another".  

Everyone has his own musical taste or preference.  There are classical, jazz, southern gospel, country gospel, hymns, the latest contemporary chorus.  Now, guess what?  There are what I call "musical snobs" in every one of those categories.  I have actually had people say to me, "I can't worship unless you do such and such kind of music".  I have also had people say, "Well you didn't plan that service for me".  Actually, the worship service was planned for Him!  We are a multigenerational church.  Sometimes even groups of people have a preference, but you would be surprised how many of them cross the lines.  

As the Body of Christ, we are to have a servant's heart and yield one to another.  Some churches have split their generations up to some extent, by having different kinds of services.  But I challenge anyone to find a scriptural basis for dividing up the Body.  The family of God is to have family worship.  

So let us come to worship; let us gather the Body and yield one to another, oh yes, sing one another's song in praise to the Lord and to edify the body.  And that spirit will carry the light of Christ into our daily lives as a servant.

mjm

Worship Leading - to impress or to inspire?

We live in a day when people have begun to confuse religious concerts and popular Christian artists with the worship of the church.  Now am I saying that there is not worship that goes on in those venues?  Absolutely not, however that is not always or necessarily their purpose.  Usually, we come away from those events impressed with the vocalist or artist or impressed with particular songs.

Worship leading in the church is not for the purpose of impressing, but for the purpose of inspiring the worship of our God.  If you look at your Bible choir was God's idea.  So, I want to focus on the worship leading choir in this context.  The worship leading choir does not merely "sing for Jesus", but is charged with leading the people of God in worship of God.  The choir's role is not to impress, but to inspire.  The choir's goal should not be to have people say, "Wow, you really sang well."  The choir's goal should be to ignite the hearts of people to worship the Father in spirit and truth with a longing for His presence among us.

In a very real sense the choir is an usher.  We need to usher people to the very throne of God so they can experience Him in all His fullness and glory.  The choir shows the congregation the place of worship prepared for them to the glory of God.  It is not the choir's job to worship FOR the congregation or TO the congregation but WITH the congregation, opening the door and encouraging the congregation to enter that door of worship.  Some would say that if a worship leading choir is to only do that, then is there a place for the choir to sing an anthem?  I would say yes, because that is simply another way the choir inspires or ushers the congregation into His presence and His truth.  The worship leading choir inspires others to worship with them.

Pray for one another if you are a part of the worship leading choir and if you are not, then faithfully pray for the worship leading choir to be effective in ushering the congregation into His presence!  mjm

Remembering . . . "Even This"

On 9-11 we appropriately remember those who were lost and the family and friends directly affected, the First Responders, those who have stood and some who have fallen to protect our freedom in the years hence.  We also need to remember on this special day the worship of our God Who providentially brought America to be founded on the principles of His Word by men who looked to Him, depended on Him, and worshipped Him.  We need to remember all of those throughout the history of our nation who have given themselves for our freedom and liberty, which is based in the principle of salvation with the freedom and liberty we have through Jesus Christ.  

But, on this day of remembrance, God pricked my heart early this morning about an "even this" that we also need to remember on this day.  In Matthew 22:37 Jesus says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it:  You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  In a very real sense our worship is not complete without our living out the second part of that verse.  The question is,  "Who is our neighbor?"  It is, according to scripture, all peoples, all nations, all people groups. Today, we need to remember . . "even this" that Christ died for ALL men.  Jesus got even stronger with these words, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."  We as worshipping believers are compelled by our Savior to pray for our enemies who showed themselves on 9-11.  God is making inroads all over our world, using many of our own missionaries to reach and see God's salvation among many of whom would be considered our "enemies".  We need to pray and reach out . . . yes, "even this" we need to remember. . . that our worship might be complete, true, and authentic.  Blessings!  mjm 

A Tribute to Dick Baker

I was saved as a nine year old boy in First Baptist Church of Hollis, Oklahoma.  We were in a week of revival with the Baker Brothers.  Bo and Dick Baker were preaching and leading music.  I had started piano when I was seven.  I remember being mesmerized by Dick Baker.  They pulled and extra piano on to the platform for the week and Dick would lead music sometimes from the pulpit and sometimes from the piano and then he would sing solos from the piano.  Bo, Dick's brother not only preached but played trumpet with Dick.  I had never heard two trumpets play together like that.  There were over 40 saved that week and my Pastor baptized right at 40 on the following Sunday evening.

As a nine year old, when I saw Dick play the piano and sing, I told my Mother that some day I was going to do that.  I got some sheet music from them that week.  My favorites were "Longing for Jesus", "Mighty Things", and  "His Way-Mine".  Ever since I was nine, I have sat down on a regular basis and played and sung,  . . .

"God has a place for every planned creation; a path for every star to go.  

He drew the course for every river's journey, now I know He has a place for me.

I place my life in the hands of God.  Those hands so scarred now outstretched for me.

Wherever it may be, over land, over sea; 

May thy will divine, O Thou God divine, be mine.

Those words and that song have been used by God's Spirit to lead me for more than 50 years in music and worship ministry.  I was able to talk with Dick on many occasions and remind him of how God had used him in the life of a little nine year old boy in a small town in Southwest Oklahoma to bring about a life of music and worship ministry inspired by the Lord through him.  

Dick and Bo were in evangelism for many years.  Then Dick served as Minister of Music at Prestonwood for several years and retired there.  Bo went home to be with the Lord a couple of years ago and Dick's wife, Ann passed away about a year ago.  Dick's funeral will be at Prestonwood on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

By the way, the Baker Brothers were from just north of Rockwall,  There home place was in Farmersville and he will be buried there.  Thanks Dick for a life of music and worship ministry!  mjm

For more information go to www.HisWayMine.com

In the Presence of Jehovah

Why do we talk so much about the presence of God and its importance in worship?  Sometimes it is not whether God is present or not, but whether we are in a state of knowing and being aware that God is present among us.  I'm afraid many times we come to worship, both private and public,  so wrapped up in other things that His presence isn't even a part of our thinking.  Sometimes we are distracted because of the messiness of life.  Sometimes we are distracted from His presence by sin we are holding on to.  Sometimes we are distracted by being unprepared spiritually or as worship leaders; sometimes we have failed to prepare all we need to and we get wrapped up in logistics and stumblings that become distractions. 

Why is our preparedness and awareness of His presence important? Remembering and rehearsing in our hearts the redemption we have experienced doesn't happen apart from His presence.    Saving grace doesn't happen apart from His presence.  Conviction of sin doesn't happen apart from His presence.  His glorious praise doesn't happen apart from His presence.  His peace that passes all human understanding does not happen apart from His presence.  A place of comfort in a crazy world doesn't happen apart from His presence.  Broken hearts mended doesn't happen apart from His presence.  The Glory of the Lord doesn't happen apart from His presence.  Most of all, a sacred meeting with God doesn't happen apart from His presence.

It still grieves me that according to some surveys more than half of church goers say they come to church and never experience the presence of God.  Maybe it's because they are church goers and not worshippers. May we be worshippers who enter His presence every day in our private worship time.  And may we be worshippers who enter the gathering of God's people every week with a keen awareness and expectation of the glorious manifestation of the presence of God among us!  mjm

Vertical vs. Horizontal Church

I want to share with you an excerpt from an article written by James MacDonald that succintly describes the importance of the vertical concept in church ministry and the importance and priority of worship.  Our Senior Pastor read this in staff meeting and I was almost on shouting ground.  Please read Ephesians 3: 17-21 as background.

"The other day I had on my desk 30 recent books written about the church of Jesus Christ. One word describes them all:  Horizontal. Pretty covers, catchy titles—one theme. They are filled with practical counsel: How to understand your audience, how to impact the people around you, how to influence them, how to win them, how to assimilate them; what they need, what they want, what we think, what they think. And yet, most of them are based on a fatal flaw: They have reduced the Church of Jesus Christ to a man-centered, human-needs-driven, manipulate-able organization—a horizontal thing.

Here's a word you need to have at the forefront of your thinking: vertical.  Somehow we've lost this in the church. We’ve replaced the Biblical idea of the church with the idea that the church is supposed to be about the horizontal—about us.

Before the purpose of the Church was ever soteriological (about salvation), it was doxological (about praise). Ephesians 3:20 says: "To Him be glory in the Church through Jesus Christ now and forever more." Everything we do has to resound with the fame of the name of God's Son. When that happens, everything else falls into place.  Evangelism, discipleship, community impact, ministries of compassion, these things are by-products of a church that is passionately consumed with the glory of God. Vertical is a powerful concept that you need to have at the forefront of your thinking about the work of the Church of Jesus Christ.

The best reasons to be fully engaged in your church won’t be found by looking around, but by looking up! We begin obeying Christ by applying the great commandment to love God—the summary of the vertical relationship (see Mark 12:28-31). When we’ve got that clear, we can tackle the loving neighbor, horizontal thing. Let’s keep the two commands clear and in proper sequence! That’s vertical church. Look up!"  Amen, Let's look up!!! mjm

Concentric Circles of Worship

What happens when you drop a pebble or stone into water?  You have concentric circles moving out from the place of the stone.  Watching the hurricane for two days I guess made me think about concentric circles as we have watched on TV the concentric circles around the eye of the hurricane.  

In a very real and tangible way, there are concentric circles of spirit and Spirit moving out from the eye of our personal and public worship.  Or, moving out from the place of the "stone" (chief cornerstone) of our worship.

I am afraid we don't stop and think about the fact that the way we authentically worship our Lord affects those around us both in our private lives and in our public worship.  For years I have experienced some ridicule or been made fun of by children or teenagers or, quite frankly, adults who just don't get worship.  Because of God's Word and my own personal experience with Him, I can not worship without full blown passion coming out.  And, I think sometimes because we are misunderstood we tend to hold back our true worship.  

We must remember who worship is for.  It is for Him; not for those around us.  Now, should we do things with decency and order as Scripture commands?  Of course.  But I always come back to Psalm 40, which basically says that those of the world who don't understand fully yet, need to see me worshipping Him in the midst of the messiness of life.  Then, they will see and put their trust in Him!  Whose worship are you influencing with the natural concentric circles of worship surrounding your life???  mjm  

Longing for God's Presence

In thinking along these lines, I remembered the old Dick Baker song I used to  sing, "Longing for Jesus".  If you could ask God for anything at all, what would it be?  There would probably be a lot of different answers to that question.  

In Exodus 33:7-23 we find Moses meeting with God and he is given the opportunity to ask God for anything he might want.  Interestingly, Moses didn't ask for anything material.  It seemed Moses' desire ran much deeper, something on a higher plane, something beyond even himself, something spiritual and eternal.  We find in this passage Moses had two basic requests:  "Show me Your way," and "Show me Your glory."  In v. 13, "Now therefore, if I have found favor in Your sight, please show me now Your ways, that I may know You in order to find favor in Your sight." And then in v. 18, "Moses said, 'Please show me your glory'."  This tells us a lot about the heart of Moses.  Jesus said, "for the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart" (Matt.12:34).  These two requests poured out of Moses' heart because this passion and desire was stored up in his heart.  

We also see in those passages the "why" of Moses' requesting those two things.  "That I may know You" and "that I may find grace or favor in Your sight."  That "know" carries the meaning of, "progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with You" and "perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly that I may find favor in Your sight."  Can you imagine just for a minute how worship would be in our churches if every worship leader, that is worship leading choirs, worship teams, etc., and every worshipper had that same kind of longing and passionate desire?  Can you even begin to imagine what our worship would be like when the people of God gathered?  May we come to such a longing and desire as this.  And may we then see God make Himself known among us!   mjm

Steve Lentz - A Tribute and Memoriam

One of our worship leading choir members went home to be with the Lord yesterday afternoon.  Steve believed he was separated out to serve as a worship leader.  He took it very seriously.  He was quiet, but he was always there.

In the twenty-fifth chapter of I Chronicles we find insights into the philosophy and musical practice of the Chief Levite musicians.  "Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, psalteries and cymbals . . . the number of them who were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful, was 288."

Notice that the decree was that the musicians be separated out for service.  They were separated to serve.  Each was a workman who ministered according to his talent and ability to serve.  The Hebrew word naba translates "prophesy" in the KJV and means "to speak or sing by inspiration".  The same word is used by Jeremiah and Ezekiel.  They sang and played under the influence of Jehovah.  They were not merely performers; they were ministering servants.  They were making music for God and for His glory.  It was God's music performed by God's  set apart musicians.  They were the presenters of God's message through music.  That is serious business.  God obviously takes it serious.  Because of that, Steve Lentz took it very seriously.

In fact, Steve would plan out of town trips around Worship Choir rehearsals, and leading worship with the choir on Sundays.  Many times he did this.  He was faithful to his calling.  He didn't consider himself a volunteer, but one who was called.  O Lord, give me a choir-full with that heart.

We will miss his spirit among us and his example for us, and yet his legacy lives on.  Thank you, Lord, for giving us Steve Lentz to minister along side for these few years.

Sunday Comes Every Seven Days

Every seven days we as worship leaders and worshipping prayer warriors get to see the gathering of all of God's people - young people, older people, saints, seekers, and worshippers.  There would be some who come for fellowship and maybe others who walk through the doors with heavy burdens too deep to share.  They come hoping that something in the worship will help them or minister to them.  Many of them don't know that all they need is Him! 

Every Sunday holds the potential of its being someone's big day in their spiritual journey.  It may be music, prayer time, or sermon that God uses to speak to them.  Our worship both as worship leaders and in the pews is sometimes used to draw others into an experience with Him.  We must never take that lightly.  We need to prepare and pray that God the Spirit will be loosed in their lives and accomplish His will.  

I dare you to pray for those un-named persons who will need a touch from God this Lord's Day as you gather to worship.  Many times we get to see God work His work and His miracles in the lives of those who come.  We should look forward to it, anticipate it, expect it when we gather every seven days.  What a blessing to be a part, through worship leading or praying, so that others can also experience Him.  

By the way, are you experiencing Him in both your personal-private worship and in the gathering of God's people every seven days?  If you are not, it would be difficult to help others and pray for others.  Our own personal devotional, worship life must be kept humming if we want to be a blessing to others.  mjm 

Christ Alive - Implications for Worship

It is a fact that Jesus is alive and that He continues His story in the worship of the church.  

Because He is alive, His manifest presence is in our worship.  We don't just come together on our own.  We don't gather to worship a memory or a "dead" statue. When we gather as the church, we celebrate a living Presence among us.  We don't have to fulfill some formula or create something on our own in order to be rewarded by His presence.  He is Lord of our worship and Master of all, gathering together His own and orchestrating their praise to the Lord God.  

In some ways, our singing is more His than ours.  We can confidently take our place as worshipers among our brothers and sisters in Christ with joy unspeakable and confidence that Jesus, the chief worship leader, has already taken His place.  

In the manifest presence of Christ we can have a sense of awe and a sense of relaxation at the same time.  Since He is in control rather than us, there is the potential for us to "rest" in Him.  We can be disciplined and free at the same time in our worship.  And, because  Jesus lives, we can overcome.  Living in a world that can overwhelm us with its pain, songs of victory in the resurrected Christ make us more alive in our inner person and give us a constant spirit of thankful, victorious praise.  That will certainly set our hearts and minds in a good place for both our personal and corporate worship.  mjm  

A New Journey into His Presence

Praise the Lord!  Our Worship Leading Choir began a new year and a new journey into His presence tonight with fourteen new folks by our sides.  What a blessing!  

The journey to Emmaus found in Luke 24 gives us insight to our journey into worship. Please read the story in Luke. There are worship scholars who say this passage gives great insight to early Christian worship in which God's presence is manifest.  The Emmaus Story is a pattern for our experience of God's presence.

Step one in our journey into God's presence is when we are on the way, much like entering His gates with thanksgiving.  We prepare as we come together in God's presence. There is that preparation thing about worship again.  And we gather with thanksgiving and praise.

Step two of our journey into God's presence continues as we hear the Word of God in our hearts through the singing and preaching of the principles of God's Word.

Step three of our journey continues  as we remember and rehearse our salvation and relationship with Christ through a more intensive and intimate experience of responding to God's Word and presence through worship around the Word, and/or worship around the communion table.  It is the remembering in a way that grows us in knowing Him in a more intimate relationship and communion.

Step four of our journey continues as we go out, joyfully telling others of what Christ has done and living only to serve the resurrected Lord and King!

The Emmaus Journey is our journey into His presence.  Both our personal and public worship is a journey into the very presence of God. May we grow in that awareness.  mjm

Thoughts from the Previous Two Blogs

Too many times we come to corporate worship unprepared to worship.  We haven't taken time to pray in such a way that we come to worship with two things from the "outer court".  We should pray sufficiently to where we are able to come with an attitude of gratitude - with thanksgiving.  And, we should have prayed in such a way that we come with a great expectation of encountering the living God together as a congregation.  Do we really want to presume to speak directly to God when we are not really prepared to be in His presence?  

And then as we enter the "throne room" of the presence of God, singing and speaking words for Him alone, we should be careful as to not distract other worshippers.  Once we have acknowledged each other's presence, then we need to come boldly into His presence and focus on Him through prayer, music, and the Word.

May we grow in our mind-set and understanding that worship is not for us, it is for Him.  May we always come expecting a "God-encounter."  If we don't encounter the living God, drawing into His manifest presence in a way that glorifies Him and changes us, it is not worship as God designed it to be.  May we be faithful to pray for this for all of the First Family.  mjm

O.T. Tabernacle/Temple Model of Worship

Psalm 100 and the Old Testament tabernacle/temple worship model give us the following thoughts:

Enter . . . His Gates with Thanksgiving.  We should always come to worship with a spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude for all of God's provision and faithfulness.  An attitude of gratitude should precede our worship.

Enter . . . His Courts with Praise.  As we move into the inner court of worship we have come with thanksgiving and now enter into praise.  We glorify, bless, magnify, acclaim and honor Him.  We see that praise creates an atmosphere for the presence of the Lord (Ps. 22:3).

Enter . . . His Worship with Adoration.  By the blood of the lamb, we are able to enter into His Worship expressing our love relationship with God.  Entering the Holy of Holies, in His Holy presence we now worship Him intimately, setting our minds on the things above.  He reveals His truth, will and purpose for our lives as our full focus is on Him.

Enter . . . His World in Obedience.  After the sacrifice of praise and worship has been made and God has revealed Himself, as in the Old Testament, the priest would offer a challenge within a blessing or benediction.  We move into the outer court and into the world to reveal to others all He has revealed to us; living out our faith in ministry to others.  

This is the basis of our theme as a worship-leading choir at First Baptist Church, Rockwall.   We will focus on this model as we lead worship and minister in His name this coming year.  mjm

Old Testament Implications for Worship Today

There is much for us to learn from Old Testament tent-shrine and temple sanctuary worship which was central to Hebrew worship of Yahweh.  

The basic purpose of the tent-shrine and the later temple of Jerusalem was to enable God to live among His people.  The focus was mainly on God's meeting with His people and being totally involved in their daily lives.  Today, as New Testament Believers, it is important for us to remember that the redeemed people of God make up the church of Jesus Christ, the holy temple of the Lord (Eph. 2:21).  The building is the meeting place, the church is the redeemed where God is present and as active in our lives as we allow Him.

Both tabernacle and temple worship emphasized the importance of preparation by the worshipper or congregation before meeting with a Holy God.  How is our preparation today?  Do we study what God's Word has to say about worship?  Do we prepare our hearts and the hearts of our families for worship?  Do we pray in preparation for worship?  

All of the design and construction of the Old Testament sanctuaries - the dress, the priesthood and the worship all highlighted the person and character of God - particularly His sovereignty, majesty, glory, and holiness.  The Old Testament worshippers were overpowered by a sense of awe and reverence.  Today we need to return to creating a sense of the holy.

The very floor plan, arrangement of furnishings and order of worship in the Old Testament sanctuaries led the worshipper through a sequence of experiences that took the worshipper from the ordinary daily living into the holy, and then the most holy - the very presence of God.  Do we today come in to worship expecting to be in God's presence?  We need to come with anticipation and expectation of being in His holy presence and through a Christ-centered focus in worship, rehearse the life and work of Christ every week.  mjm

Culture vs. Christ in Worship

One of the great theologians on worship A.W. Tozier once said, "Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us."  We live in a day when this has become and even greater danger for the worshipping community.  It is paramount that the worship, the song, the composer, the worship leader, the worship leading choir, the worshipper has a revelation of Jesus at the very center of their existence in order for worship to be transformed beyond the culture around us.

It begs the same question of who are we worshipping or who are we serving?  Is the intent of our hearts self-serving or self-focused?  If transformed by Christ our worship will not be to please ourselves, but to serve our Lord and others.  

Saint Irenaeus once said, "The Glory of God is a human being fully alive".  Our expressions of worship will declare the glory of our God when our focus is where it should be.  Lord, let it be so.  mjm

Spiritual Performers vs. Worship Leaders

I have often said, "I am not at all comfortable in a performing role, but am completely comfortable and at peace in a worship leading role as a minister and musician."  I am not comfortable with it being about me.  It is about Him.  I was reminded of that today in worship led by our guest musician, Keron Jackson.  Keron has been gifted by God with a phenomenal voice and yet kept saying to me, as we rehearsed for the services and led the services, that it was not about him, but about Jesus and what He had done in his life.  What a passionate and compassionate heart this guy shared behind the scenes as we prepared to worship with the church.  It wasn't just about his song, but about his story -  which begins and ends with Jesus.  

This should always be true of any of us who lead the church in worship:  the instrumentalists, the choir, the preachers, whoever we are in the leading, it must always profoundly, yet simply, be about Him!

One has said, "Worship is all that we are, responding to all that God has revealed Himself to be, initiated  and empowered by His Holy Spirit."  When we lead worship as worship leaders, we simply are "responding" to Him and it's all about Him!  In our culture there is sometimes a tendency to fall in love with the man-contrived DELIVERY SYSTEM, rather than the TRUTH.  

Our role is never to impress, but to inspire and ignite people's hearts to worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4).  Whether we are part of a worship leading choir or a worship leader we are to enable folks into His presence or usher folks in.  Our job is not to worship TO or FOR the congregation, but WITH the congregation.  Bottom line is . . . give me Jesus!  mjm

The Voice of the Redeemer in Worship

In scripture we see how singing sweetens our relationship with God and how the book of Psalms shapes and directs our singing.  We also see how David's song of God-forsakenness leads to a song of thanksgiving in the midst of a great assembly.  We see how Jesus sings Himself into the exile of our curse so that He might rise as our King of Kings.  Then we see how the Redeemer's resurrection and ascension enables the Redeemer to become the Architect of Praise as He sends the Holy Spirit to build a house for God's indwelling.  

In Psalm 22 we find a study of contrasts.  It moves from crucifixion to resurrection, from sorrow to victory. It also moves from the Singer's aloneness to being surrounded by many different kinds of people.  In v. 25 the Singer sings His hymn to the God who answers His cry for help.  Once left in agony with a band of evildoers, now the Singer is surrounded by Jew and Gentile, poor and rich, generations past and generations to come (vv. 23, 26, 27, 29 - 31).   In place of God's abandonment is God's attention and ear and in place of scoffers and torturers is a vast and varied assembly of worship. The Psalm begins as a solo and ends as a chorale or congregation.  

Christ the Redeemer calls forth His song from every culture His gospel has touched.  He is the beginning of our song.  He IS our Song!  It is His redeeming Voice!  mjm

The Sovereignty, Providence and Worship of God

In both the music and the preaching this morning in our worship, we focused on the Sovereignty and Providence of God.  Our Assistant Pastor, who happens to be from Great Britain, preached on the 2nd Chapter of Ruth and presented a great message on this subject.  He focused on the fact that with God there are no coincidences, but that God is Sovereign and in total control, with our only responsibility being to trust Him.  

I became personally amused at the irony, listening to our British Assistant Pastor speak on this subject as I am currently reading a book about George Washington (George Washington's Sacred Fire) where the Providence of God comes up over and over.   With thorough  documentation, this book shows that the Father of our Country put a very high emphasis on life in Christ, worship, prayer and the providence of God in the life of believers.  Washington was adamant about the men under his command praying, acknowledging God's providence and worshipping on a regular basis.   He wanted his men to be involved in both prayer and worship.  He insisted on there being Chaplains assigned to every unit of men in the army so they would have direction in prayer and worship.   Some have claimed that George Washington was a Deist and not a practicing Christian, but this book completely debunks such a notion.

In his speeches, letters, and writings, it's obvious that Washington was convinced of the Providence of God in the beginning of our nation and in his own life. "The connection between a righteous army and victory meant that worship became part of the arsenal of the army.  Washington called on the men to 'religiously' observe a day of 'Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer'.  The Commander-in-Chief declared in his General Orders, 'The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country.'"

In the Sovereignty and Providence of God, may we in music and worship ministry continue to emphasize prayer and worship in all we do.   mjm

Worship, a Joy Worthy of our Destiny

J. S. Bach once said, "God's gift to His sorrowing creatures is to give them Joy worthy of their destiny."  If the Church's worship is faithful, it will challenge the culture surrounding it because God's truth transforms lives.  Authentic worship should turn our values, habits, and ideas upside-down as it changes and forms our character.  It is only then that we will know a Joy worthy of our destiny.

God reveals Himself through prayer, hymns, spiritual songs and sermons - challenging our illusions about ourselves.  He exposes our pride and self-centeredness, in other words our sin.  But, also God-revealing worship offers us forgiveness, healing, transformation, and the call and courage to work in our world to reveal God to others and bring them into His presence to worship Him.

There are those who would try techniques to enliven worship or try new things to spice it up with new enthusiasm.  The church doesn't need any of those things.  The church needs genuine reformation.  Genuine worship will teach people the depth of His truth and enable them to experience His presence in life transforming ways.  It will allow them to worship with a Joy worthy of their destiny.   mjm

Suffering and Worship

An authentic worshipper still sings songs in the night.  "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, the olive crop fails,  and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God, my Savior" (Habakkuk 3:17-18).  And of course we see Paul and Silas in prison in Acts 16...and about midnight they were praying and singing hymns to God.  Jonathan Edwards said there were two kinds of gratitude, natural and gracious.  Natural gratitude has to do with being grateful for good gifts.  But, gracious gratitude is being thankful for who God is, not just for what He does.  Chuck Colson has said that gracious gratitude is "relational", not "conditional".  

Anybody can be thankful for blessings.  But a true worshipper has learned to give thanks in everything.  I Thessalonians 5:16-17 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  Praise which is dependent upon blessings can easily turn into grumbling and complaining when the blessing is gone.  This reveals that we are measuring what is good by the world's temporal standard rather than by an eternal one.  In suffering we learn endurance (I Peter 2:20) and if we endure, we will also reign with Him (2 Tim. 2:12).  According to Philippians 3 we can rejoice in our sufferings by realizing that through sufferings our identification and fellowship with Christ will increase, and we will know Him and His love for us better.  

God is pleased with our natural gratitude in worship springing up in response to His blessings.  But, oh when He hears songs in the night - rejoicing in the midst of suffering, He is blessed beyond our imagination or understanding.   mjm