Devotions For Music Ministers

Morning Star

2012-01-21T06:51:00.001-06:00

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star Revelation 22:16

When you think about all the terms the Bible uses to describe Jesus, such as the Bread of Life, Lily of the Valley, Rose of Sharon, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, King of kings, Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, The First and the Last, the Resurrection and Life, the Way the Truth and the Life (this could go on a long time, I admit that I get excited talking about Jesus) we come to this title, the Morning Star.
I had to take time to look this one up. When the Bible uses the term, morning star, it's means one who reflects God's glory. Surely that's exactly who the Son of God is. God is invisible. Many times over the Scripture emphasizes we cannot look on Him and live. Yet we can see Him in Jesus.

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him

John 1:18

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? John 14:9..

also see Hebrews 1:3

When we consider reflecting God's glory we can see why this term was used of the angels when they worship God.

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:7

Hopefully when we worship God we are reflecting His glory so that the world can see His greatness.

Satan before he fell was one of those morning stars that reflected God's glory. He fell because he no longer wanted to give God glory but was concerned about how he looked.

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! Isaiah 14:12 niv

Now the devil makes it his job to keep people from seeing God's glory. The way people see God's glory is in the truth of the Gospel.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV

There is no more important task we have then to be bearers of the Gospel truth. We need to share truth in it's entirety and not compromise truth to ease the world. When people try to fight the Gospel they are only showing spiritual blindness. It's our job through the power of the Holy Spirit to shine truth.

In the book of Revelation the church of Thyatira was dealing with a false teacher. The Lord called this false teacher Jezebel. He said that she seduced the saints and made them fornicators. He said He would bring judgement of her and her followers. He warned the church not to compromise truth or morality and He made this promise to those who listened to Him.

And I will give him the morning star. Revelation 2:28

Peter also talked about how sharing the Gospel without compromise reflects God's glory.

And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. 2 Peter 1:18-20 New King James Version (NKJV)

This is why Jesus came. Everything He taught, every miracle He performed, what He did through His death and resurrection was all to give glory to the Father.

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying , I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

The cool thing about this is He included us in this mission.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your

Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Bless His Name

2012-01-02T21:16:00.000-06:00

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him,

and bless his name.

Psalm 100:4

When you see the phrase, Bless His name, in the Psalms most of the time the Hebrew word for bless is barach. Barach could be interpreted, to bow down.

In the days that the Psalms were written they did not know the name of the most High. Yet they revered and worshiped His name. God told them that His name is I Am. They understood that His name was authority and salvatian. The Hebrew word for salvation is yeshua. We know that this is the Hebrew form of the name Jesus. I looked up the definition and was excited to see what all is meant by this name.

salvation, deliverance
a) welfare, prosperity

b) deliverance

c) salvation (by God)

d) victory

e) healing

It's exciting to know that faith in the name of Jesus brings all of these blessings. This is do to the fact that New Testament salvatian is based on the blood of Calvary. The blood of Calvary washes away our sins when we enter into that covenant when we are baptized in His name.

And now why tarriest thou ? arise , and be baptized , and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 22:16

Sometimes it's seems there's a lack of bowing before the name of the Lord in what we call "modern worship." Sometimes it seems like what we call a worship service is based on hype instead of true reverence for His name. By reverence I don't mean silence. True reverence for the name of the resurrected Saviour produces great joy. See Matthew 28:8

We should bring bowing befor the name of the Lord back into our worship as individuals and as congregations. I'm thankful I belong to a church that still has altar services. If you will worship and praise the Lord without being intimidated by modern worship tradition God will take notice and move on your behalf. I love the fact that the apostle Paul looked at this phrase about blessing His name and applied it to Isaiah's prophecy

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Isaiah 45:22-23

Paul let us know that there is only one name that will one day bring us to our knees....

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,

and every tongue shall confess to God.

Romans 14:11

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day

Psalm 96:2

Vineyard 101 worship songs

The Joy Of The Lord

2011-06-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 1 Peter 1:8

The Joy of the Lord has to be genuine. Last Sunday evening in worship service I was inspired by the song service. The worship leader, John, was radiating with the joy of the Lord. You could see a spiritual strength and confidence that just made our time of celebrating the Saviour powerful.

The joy of the Lord cannot be faked. It doesn't come from motivation or charisma. It doesn't come success or prosperity. It doesn't come from an upbeat song. There is a Scriptural formula that I see.

A genuine relationship with God
Revelation from the Word of God
Sorrow for sin
Obedience to God

^{I see this illustration in Psalm 30}

⁴Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

⁵For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Also in Psalm 33.
King Josiah is another great example of this.    2 Kings 22:7-20

It sounds like a paradox that sorrow has to precede the greatest joy possible. We don't think of short comings, disappointments, being reminded of our sins and mistakes and having our faults pointed out to us as bringing joy.    However, if we are talking about the joy of the Lord we are saying that the Lord is the source of that joy.    Sin keeps us from being in a right relationship with the One we really love and who really loves us. There is nothing better than fixing a relationship.   The void that every person has in their heart is the place where God belongs. Other relationships cannot fill that. Even if they are good relationships they still cannot satisfy.

Even the child of God has faults that he hasn't dealt with. When we dig into the Word and see our faults we need to feel a genuine sorrow for those sins and bring them to the cross in repentance. When we do this God comes in and fills that void. By grace He makes us clean and puts us in right standing with Him and there is nothing more exciting or fulfilling as that. The joy of the Lord is your strength.   Even the verse that tells us this illustrates this point.

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:8-10

The sacrifice for our sins has been paid by Jesus. Every day is the day the Lord has made. It doesn't matter the troubles you face or the problems you have. What matters is you are forgiven and that is reason for you to have the joy of the Lord be your strength!

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. John 16:20

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. Psalm 30:11-12

There Is Joy in the Lord - the Worship Songs of Cheri Keaggyitunes

chords

A Testimony from a worship leader

2011-06-11T09:36:00.001-05:00

Mario Mouser is a worship leader in a nearby city. He had this testimony posted on facebook. I sure this will bless you. Thanks you, Mario for your dedication.

check out his music on itunes Mario Mouser on itunes

For All My Worship Leader Friends

by Mario Mouser on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 8:55pm

Some food for thought:

As a full-time worship leader, every week I feel the burden to bring the glory of God into the sanctuary so that people
can be changed by His power. As of late, it seemed as if our church was going through a 'dry spell'. I felt like I was doing
everything in my power to be a good worship leader. I felt that our praise team/band was doing a great job of leading in worship.
Everything was the same as before, from what I could see.

Just a few days ago, we were in our mid-week service. If you're a worship pastor or even just a faithful saint, I think that
we can all agree that at one point or another, we get the mindset that mid-week service isn't necessarily going to be our 'best' service.
Obviously, this isn't the mindset to have, when leading people to the throne room of God however, it happens from time to time.
I was in pre-service prayer and I was just going through the motions as usual. I said the usual prayer. "God, forgive me of anything
that could keep You from using me in this service. I need Your anointing, etc…" And all of a sudden, it hit me. Here I am, asking God
to use me to lead these people into His Glory and I have yet to be there, myself.

I always tell our praise team how important it is to give everything we have when we're leading worship. For, this may be the last chance
that someone has to be in the presence of God. We should never take that lightly. It's so easy to get wrapped up in life and all the heart
aches and cares that come with it and to forget about what is truly important. I was reading a scripture today before Sunday morning service
and I got so convicted when I read it. I'd like to share it with you.

"Quit your worship charades. I can't stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths,
special meetings-meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You've worn me out. I'm sick of your religion,
religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I'll be looking the
other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I'll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you've
been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives
clean of your evildoings so I won't have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice.
Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless." Isaiah 1:13-17 -The Message

Let us never forget that great responsibility comes with great power. If you feel that God has given you the talent and ability
to minister to people through music, give everything that you have every time you step on the stage to lead worship. You have
the chance to take someone by the hand and lead them to God through song; singers/musicians alike. And once they get to God,
He can change them forever.

Every time I get up to lead worship, whether it be at my home church or not; whether the venue be big or small, I always have
this raging nervousness in the pit of my stomach. I thought that once I got used to leading worship and being in front of people,
it would eventually go away, however, it hasn't. But, I've grown to love it because it has become a reminder to me that, as a worship
leader, it's my passion and obligation to have the heart and mind of God every time I take the stage, as well as living a life of worship,
consecrated and dedicated to Jesus Christ.

For some reason, I felt compelled to post this. I hope that, in some way, it encourages you.

God bless,

mario

Think Praise

2011-05-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What kind of things do we let control our thought life? We know that spiritual battles our fought in our minds. (2 Corinthians 10:4) The enemy wants us to focus on negative, and worry and problems we are having with others. Philippians 4 not only gives us this instruction but it also has a promise attached to it, but before we look at the promise we need to look at the situation Paul was addressing.

It seems there were a couple sisters who were in contention.

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. ³ And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. (vs 2 and 3 from the New Living Translation)

When our focus is on how we see our do things different from other christians it keeps any real spiritual progress from being made in our churches and in our cities. Paul followed up this instruction.

vs⁴ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

When we are full of the joy of the Lord it affects the way we treat others.

⁵ Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

When we are full of the joy of the Lord we don't have to worry about problems but we can take them to God with a thankful attitude.

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Finally, because we let the promises of God's Word be the focus of our thinking and the strength of our faith we are promised a peace that passes understanding.

⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

I know their are situations in your life that weigh you down. The devil wants your mind to be full of worry and cares. There's a lost world that needs hope. Therefore let the joy of the Lord be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and THINK PRAISE.

When I Think About Jesus

Kirk Franklin - Why We Sing - Music Book
Digital Sheet Music Download - When I Think About Jesus

A Sounding Brass Or A Clanging Cymbal

2011-04-07T09:14:00.010-05:00

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:1

As a oneness, apostolic, pentecostal I understand the importance of speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit enables. (Acts 2:4) I know that it is a sign of God's presence to unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 14:22) Yet in order for people to see Jesus in me love needs to be evident.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

^{1 Corinthians 13:2}

As I reach out to people on a daily basis I really want the power of God to be evident in my life. I pray for the power of God to be at work. Healing, deliverance, and miracles I long to see being poured out to bless peoples lives. Yet again love is more important.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3

When I read this verse and see that even giving everything I have to the poor can somehow be separate from love it really makes me search my heart. Even the laying down of my life for the sake of the Gospel may not demonstrate love if it was not manifested in the life that I live. I really don't want to be a great worship leader or anointed musician if it means people will not feel the love of God coming from me. In that case all the music made, no matter how sincere the worship may be, is just a sounding brass and a clanging gong.

It is not how much I love the Lord that makes me a witness but how much I love the people around me. It is the second greatest commandment and just as important as the first.

Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:29-31

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

John 15:11-13

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35

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Let There Be Light

2011-03-28T09:40:00.002-05:00

I was driving to work one day when a billboard caught my attention. In large writing it had a Scripture written. "Let There Be Light"
Some company was advertising their light based product. Yet these words from Genesis kept going through my mind.
God is so incredible. His ways are so much higher than any human. He created us and everything that exists. When people create we need tools and materials or ingredients. God spoke light into existence. He spoke the universe into existence. Only God can speak things into existence and happening. Yet He teaches us to have faith in Him to do the same.

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustardseed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20

So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Luke 17:6

When we pray or speak the Word of God we are actually speaking on the authority of God. That's why our faith in God and our obedience to Him makes our prayers affective. The account of the centurion who came to Jesus shows this principle. The centurion said to Jesus, " Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed." (Luke 7:7) He continued his explanation of his faith.

⁸ For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Many times the gospels tell us that Jesus was amazed by people's unbelief, but with this centurion he was amazed by his faith and understanding.

⁹ When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”

The book of James talks about the prayers of Elijah.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:17, 18

The verses preceding lead into this example.

¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

I hope you are understanding the power of our prayers. When you pray for the lost or for healing and forgiveness and faith it is the Lord you pray to that makes your words powerful because you are speaking on the authority of His Word and His name.

Now let me apply this truth to your worship of God in song. When you are singing songs in worship don't just let those words come out of your mouth mindlessly. Speak every word of those songs in faith. Speak them with the same authority. That old song comes to my mind...

In the name of Jesus there's power to set you free

In the name of Jesus there's glorious victory

Over sin disease and sickness the power to walk in liberty

Through faith in that wonderful name.

I pray every time you sing a song in worship, whether in a congregation of in your private prayer time, let the words you say be powerful because your faith in the One you are singing to and singing about.

The Name of Jesus - And If Our God Is for Us...
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Untainted Worship

2011-02-12T23:06:00.000-06:00

A couple days ago one of my daughters came to me with a concern. She is a gifted artist but had concern about a particular project she had made. It mas a mask where half of the mask depicted good and the other half depicted evil. This was a class assignment she had done a couple years ago. She remembered all the study they had done before making these masks. It was a project the teacher gave her a lot of encouragement about.
Well just the other week in her Sunday School class they were watching a DVD lesson about the arts. She found out that many types of arts have had evil influence to them. She learned that the type of mask she had created came from occult practices of mixing good and evil together in their arts. Well she decided to throw it away. I encouraged her first to take a picture of it for the sake of sharing her testimony about it.
In the arts we know that a good story can be tainted with a little sin in order to bring across a message of sin being okay in some situations. The Bible is very clear that this is wrong.

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

Ken Hovind in his DVD series on creation versus evolution tells how text books will be 90 % good science and 10 % lies. In doing so it makes the lies seem good being mixed with truth. He also uses the illustration that rat poison is 95% good food and only 5% poison therefore the rat will eat it.

Now let me bring this around to the subject of worship. I first read this illustration in an old book of David Wilkerson's called Set The Trumpet To Thy Mouth. In 2 Kings 16 we read the story of King Ahaz the king of Judah. The Bible tells us that the king of Syria and the king of Israel joined forces to fight against King Ahaz. King Ahaz sent money to the king of Assyria asking him to help fight off his enemies. The king of Assyria came to help and defeated the Syrian and Israelite armies in Damascus. King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet with the king of Assyria. But King Ahaz saw something in Damascus that caught his attention. It was a foreign altar made to a foreign god. King Ahaz was impressed with the artistry of this altar and sent the design of it to Urijah the priest in order for him to build a replica of it for the temple. When King Ahaz returned to Jerusalem he offered his offerings on this new altar. We see that Kings Ahaz totally messed up the temple. Thankfully when his son, Hezekiah, became king God was honored and proper worship was restored. This may sound critical but in the world of Christian music there are too many who are supposed to be ministers who are more concerned with the newest trends. They try to imitate the styles of worldly music in order to "relate to people." We cannot do that with the talents and gifts God has given us. We know in worldly entertainment that there are ungodly messages being mixed in with the arts. These ungodly messages come from evil and when we try to imitate that which is worldly we are inviting worldly spirits into our worship. I know this may be a hard thought to swallow but I promise it is true. Let's not let the songs we use to worship or the songs we write be the result of trying to be an alternative to the latest trendy band out their. Let it be the result of a heart and life that is totally consecrated to God. When He is the inspiration than He is also the one who inspires. We know when He creates things they are good and perfect.

¹⁶And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

¹⁷Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

¹⁸And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians 6

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Celebrate

2011-02-07T19:25:00.001-06:00

Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
         And I will declare Your greatness.
They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,
         And shall sing of Your righteousness.

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion,
         Slow to anger and great in mercy.

Psalm 145:6-8 (New King James Version)

There's a big difference between celebration and worship. We celebrate holidays and sporting events and birthdays. Putting too much into time and energy into celebration to the point where it takes away your time and attention from God of course is not good. Yet worship is so much deeper than celebration. Celebration focuses on what someone has done where worship focuses on who God is. Sometimes when we intend to worship we do not go deeper than celebration. We miss getting into the throne room of God where we stand in awe of who He is. It's in worship that our faith is strong for we realize the power and love and mercy of God is very much who He is and not just what He does. Yet in approaching God to worship Him it would really be a shame to skip the step of celebration. Celebrating what God has done is exciting and is expressed in the acts of praise we give to Him. When we see the ways the world celebrates sports and military heroes we need to realize how much more the Lord Jesus is to worthy of celebration. I do always want to worship my God for who He is. Even so I want to celebrate Him for all He has done and is doing.

Psalm 103

¹Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
²Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
³Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
⁴Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
⁵Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
⁶The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
⁷He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
⁸The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
⁹He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
¹⁰He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
¹¹For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
¹²As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
¹³Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
¹⁴For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
¹⁵As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
¹⁶For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
¹⁷But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
¹⁸To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

That's a lot of reasons to celebrate the Lord.

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Glory, Praise, and Dominion

2010-12-27T17:27:00.000-06:00

1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen
1 Peter 5:11
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Looking at these two verses of praise it's hard not to make a reflection of Peter's life with Jesus. From when Jesus first called him we see a man who felt undeserving and sinful but yet drawn to Jesus. He listened to His every word. He pledged his loyalty to Jesus. We know specifically of the day he spoke out from the disciples and proclaimed to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)

One thing we know of Peter is that he was confident of his relationship with Jesus. He unfortunately found put too much confidence in himself. There was the time when the disciples were in the boat during a storm. Jesus came walking on the water to them. While the disciples were all afraid Jesus called to them saying, "It is I, don't be afraid."   Peter answered back to Jesus, "Lord if it is really You, call me to come out to you on the water."
Jesus told him to come. Peter, confident in Jesus call got out of the boat and began walking on the water by the power of God.   Yet on the way to Jesus he looked at the waves and became afraid and began to sink. Jesus rescued him and talked to him about his lack of faith. Some how even though he got out of the boat in total faith in God's call, he turned to his own strength and ability when he considered the size of the storm and became afraid.
On the night that Jesus was going to be betrayed in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told the disciples that they would all deny Him. Peter told Jesus that he would never deny Him. Jesus told Peter that Satan was specifically gunning for him that night. Yet Peter insisted that he would die with Jesus.   Jesus knew what was necessary for Him to endure that night. He took them into the garden to pray. After Jesus had prayed for an hour He came and found the disciples sleeping.   He said to Peter. Why are you sleeping? Couldn't you watch with Me for one hour? Now watch and pray so that you do not enter into temptation."   Jesus knew that He and the disciples would need to have much time in prayer to be able to endure the trial and the cross. Jesus knew that His human will would need to be completely surrendered to the will of God. The only way this would happen is by spending much time in prayer. Think about it. If the very person who was God embodied in a man had to pray for His flesh to be in submission to God's Spirit, how much more do we, His disciples, need to pray - often and long. We are foolish to try and take on ministry without much prayer. We are not strong enough in our selves to take on the attacks the devil will bring our way. Yet 1 John 4:4 tells us, Greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world.

The disciples had fallen asleep again. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter cut off the ear of one of them. Jesus rebuked Peter for using his sword and then healed the guard's ear. Peter, along with the rest of the disciples was terrified and ran away. We know the story how that Peter denied even knowing Jesus that night and then went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:62

Peter was ready to die fighting for Jesus. When Jesus rebuked him, he fled with the others.   In himself he loved Jesus but his inner desire was not enough to take on the pressure of hell. This is why he needed to pray.
Peter did learn this lesson. We find that after Jesus ascended to heaven that Peter and the disciples and friends of Jesus, 120 people in all, stayed in the upper room in Jerusalem praying and seeking God until God poured out His Spirit. This waiting time could have been as long as ten days. (Acts 2) Again Peter was on his way to the temple for his daily prayer when he spoke to the lame man and saw him healed. (Acts 3:1-8)
After being interrogated by the sanhedrine Peter and the apostles prayed for boldness to spread the gospel and the house where they were was shaken.   When part of the church brought a complaint to the apostles they insisted that it was most important that they prayed and ministered the Word and appointed others to take care of the problem. The result was that the church multiplied. (Acts 6:2-4, 7) When the gospel was to be first presented to the gentiles, God showed a vision to Peter while he was fasting and praying. (Acts 10:2, 9)
So when Peter wrote his letter to the church, he proclaimed this praise.    To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. What an important truth we need to realize in our ministries. That the glory and the dominion is all His.    Remember the truths Peter preceded this praise with.

1 Peter 5

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

We need to keep ourselves humble and under God.

⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Bring all our cares to Him in prayer often because He cares.

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ⁹ Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Remember the devil is seeking to devour us. This is another reason we need to constantly be in prayer.

10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

God's grace is what we need to perfect and strengthen us. It is not our own power that will advance us in Him. So.....
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I Miss My Time With You (As Origianlly Performed By Larnelle Harris) - Praise Hymn Tracks

I Miss My Time With You - 16 Great Contemporary Christian Classics, Vol. 2

The Songs Of Accent

2010-11-30T22:38:00.000-06:00

Preparation For Worship

The introduction to Psalms chapters 120 through 134 you will see they were called the Songs of Degrees or in some versions The Songs of Ascent. I learned these were songs that were sung by the people going to the temple for their annual sacrifice. The songs were sung in the order that they are recorded in Scripture. We know from Psalm 100 that we should enter His gates with thanksgiving and enter His courts with praise. The songs of ascent were the songs they sang before they entered the gates and court.

It seems many times when we come to a worship service that people have not taken the time to prepare to enter His gates. Many times when I've led worship services I've started with a song expressing the greatness of God and encouraging people to worship. Sometimes it was kind of discouraging because people didn't seem to want to worship until I would come a song that I would use to lead into a time of prayer and petitioning. A song like Jesus Is The Answer or Peace Peace. When I came to these songs I would see people begin to focus on God's grace and deliverance which would draw them into worship. Psalms 120, the first of the songs of ascent, focuses on these very things.

Psalm 120

A Song of Ascents.

¹ In my distress I cried to the LORD, And He heard me.   ² Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips
         And from a deceitful tongue. ³ What shall be given to you, Or what shall be done to you,
         You false tongue?   ⁴ Sharp arrows of the warrior, With coals of the broom tree!
⁵ Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech, That I dwell among the tents of Kedar!   ⁶ My soul has dwelt too long
         With one who hates peace.   ⁷ I am for peace; But when I speak, they are for war.

If you look at the themes of all these songs you will find a Biblical way to prepare your heart for worship.
Psalm 120
the need for God, peace, crying to the Lord, deliverance
Psalm 121
God's faithfulness, deliverance, our dependence on Him, seeking Him in time of need, protection
Psalm 122
Anticipation for the house of God, gladness, the goodness of God
Psalm 123
God's mercy and help
Psalm 124
Protection from the enemy
Psalm 125
trusting in God, the goodness of God
Psalm 126
The great works of God, soul winning, prevailing prayer
Psalm 127
we need the Lord to lead and guide us, without Him we can do nothing
Psalm 128
Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.
Psalm 129
God's righteousness, the Name of the Lord, victory over the enemy
Psalm 130
God's forgiveness and mercy, waiting on God
Psalm 131
hoping and trusting in God alone
Psalm 132
worship, adoration, God's presence, continuing in prayer, provision, loving God for everything He has done
Psalm 133
Unity, anointing
Psalm 134

¹ Behold, bless the LORD,
         All you servants of the LORD,
         Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!
² Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
         And bless the LORD.

³ The LORD who made heaven and earth
         Bless you from Zion!

If we will prepare ourselves on everyday for worship then in our private and our corporate worship praise will be spontaneous and heartfelt. Those things that weigh heavy on our hearts will draw us close to God rather than distracting us from Him.

Praise You In This Storm (As Made Popular By Casting Crowns) - Praise Hymn Tracks

Praise You In This Storm - Lifesong

THE POWER OF GENUINE PRAISE

2010-10-30T08:55:00.001-05:00

It's not often I use others articles for p4v. This one though I thought was especially good. Hope you are blessed.

THE POWER OF GENUINE PRAISE
By John Urs

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. (Acts 16:25-26)

Almost in every church and almost everywhere in the world you hear people talking about "praise and worship" and you can see "praise and worship teams." Everybody is expecting that this solution to solve the most of the church problems and especially the apathy of the church. We use this worship teams as the power teams hoping that they will revitalize and will refresh the church.

There is some truth in this assumption, but also there are a multitudes of factors that are influencing our spiritual life and worship. Thinking about this and meditating I've realized that according to God's word, the life of the Spirit can't co-exist with the life of the flesh and when we talk about praise and worship we can't separate the worship from the worshipper.

It's not my intention to write a book about this, but it is obvious in the Scriptures that God is more interested in the worshipper than in his gift. My intention is to find the answer to this question: What is the genuine praise and how can we profess it on regular bases?

First, the genuine praise is a result of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is a big difference between singing about God and praising God. Many unchristian artists are singing a lot of beautiful Christmas songs, but they don't believe in God and in His Son Jesus Christ.

To know for sure that you praise God you have to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This relationship has to be genuine and has to be expressed in the way you live your life. A genuine Christian is not the one that says it, but the one that lives it!!!

Second, the genuine praise is a result of a genuine faith. No human being would have been able to do what Paul and Silas done in this circumstance without having a genuine and living faith. Faith means more than accepting a set of rules and doctrines, faith means to TRUST in Jesus Christ and His Word. It was not the first time for the apostles to be persecuted and for sure it was not the last time, and they were acting like they ever acted in these kind of situations: they were joyful and they were praising Jesus for the privilege to suffer with Him and for His Name. So, for Paul and Silas the persecution and suffering were a reason to thank God and praise God, and not a reason to complain before God and to fill lawsuits against the people that were treating them cruel and unfair.

Third, the genuine praise goes together with the genuine prayer. There is nothing more powerful than a group of 2 or 3 Christians gathered in and for Jesus' Name. Jesus himself told us about the power of prayer.

Today we have the tendency to pray less and less home and less and less in the church, but if we want to experience God's power we MUST pray. The real thing about prayer is the fact that is drawing us closer to God and is helping us to see the things through God's perspective. A genuine prayer can't be realized without experiencing the same purpose and the same love for God and for the people as Paul and Silas had.

Do you want your life and church to be shaken by God's power ? Then be a GENUINE CHRISTIAN and make praise a genuine part of your life.

John Urs-http://www.saltmin.com

Feel free to print and publish this article as long as you don't modify the content and post the author and weblink. God bless you!

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

2010-10-21T08:40:00.001-05:00

This list of came from a comment by Joy Chapman from http://www.myapostolicnetwork.com

Here are some things about worship and scriptures.

Four Stages of Development:
1. Primitive Worship
2. Temple Worship
3. Synagogue Worship
4. New Testament Church Worship

Why Worship God?
1. He Is Worthy- Revelations 5:11-12; Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 43:10-11; II Corinthians 5:19; Revelations 1:8; Exodus 15:1-21; I Samuel 2:1-10; Matthew 28:16-17; Luke 10:20; Psalm 107:8, 21, 31.
2. Called To Worship- Exodus 32:11-14; Exodus 20:3-5; Matthew 4:10.
3. Created for Worship- Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:12
4. Need to Worship- Genesis 32:24-29; John 4:15; Mark 10:35-37; Acts 2:4; Hebrews 11:24-25.

Provisions for Worship- Psalm 22:26; Hebrews 13:4; Psalm 127:2.
1. Separation from Sin- I Peter 1:18-19; John 3:5.
2. An Holy Relationship with God- John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; John 4:23.

The Spirit of Worship
1. Essentiality- John 16:13-14; Acts 2:36; Ephesians 4:4-6.
2. Knowledge- I Corinthians 2:16.
3. Direct Connection- John 14:16-26; Romans 8:9-11; 16.
4. Supernatural Communication- I Corinthians 14:2; Romans 8:26.
5. Flow of the Spirit- John 7:38-39; II Corinthians 6:17; I John 2:15-16.
6. Holy Life- Psalm 29:1-2; II Corinthians 7:1.
7. Conviction of Sins- Joshua 7:19-20.

Attitudes of Worship
1. Brokenness- Psam 51:17; Jeremiah 23:29; Matthew 21:44.
2. Humility- Luke 7:37-38; James 4:6.
3. Love- Mark 12:30.
4. Reverence- Psalm 89:7.
5. Obedience- I Samuel 15:22; Genesis 22:5.
6. Not Ashamed- II Samuel 6:21-22; Mark 8:38.

Performance of Worship
1. Giving- Acts 20:35
2. Prayer- Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Acts 4:31.
3. Praise- Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 95:1; Psalm 100:4; Psalm 47:1; Psalm 134:2; Psalm 149:1-3; Psalm 150:3-6; Acts 15:14-17; Ephesians 5:18-19; Luke 19:37-40; Psalm 22:3; Isaiah 61:3; Acts 2:46-47; I Thessalonians 5:19; I Timothy 2:8; I Peter 2:9.
4. Lord's Supper- I Corinthians 11:24-30; Isaiah 53:5; John 13:8; John 13:13-15.

Results of Worship
1, Transformation- Psalm 115:4-8; Romans 1:23-24; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:8; II Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 12:2; Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:19.
2. Victory- Joshua 6:20; II Chronicles 20:21; Acts 16:25-26; I Thessalonians 5:18.
3. Heaven- John 14:3; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 19:6-7; John 4:23.

Praising B 4 Victory

2010-10-15T08:07:00.000-05:00

This last weekend we had Dr Fred Childs minister at our church. In the last part of his sermon he told the congregation about a time when he was in a church service where God was healing people. He told how he saw a lady who had her face down in the seat in front of her. She had a long shawl over her head. The shawl covered most of her body. When he walked up to her to pray for her, he realized that everyone was watching him and he didn’t know why. So he began to ask the lady some questions.

“Have you been prayed for many times? Have you been prayed for over one hundred times? Do you believe God can heal you?”

The answer the lady gave to all these questions was yes.   Then he asked her another question.

“Have you praised God for your healing even though you haven’t received it yet?”

The answer to this question was, “No.”

In this he encouraged her to praise God in faith for her healing. As she raised her hands in thanks to God her condition became visible. She had a shriveled hand. As she praised the Lord that hand was restored to whole.

In telling us about this event Brother Childs encouraged everyone that had a need to praise the Lord for the answer.   This led to many testimonies.   One of my daughters was healed of two painful conditions she had. Another lady was healed of arthritis. Back sliders made new commitments to God.   It was very faith building to hear some of the testimonies.

We see examples of this in scriptures.   Paul and Silas worshiped God before the chains and prisons doors were broken in the Philippian jail.   (Acts 16) Jehosophat had the musicians lead the army into a battle they never had to fight.   Joshua and the Israelites shouted to the Lord before the walls of Jericho fell. Gideon’s soldiers shouted and blew their trumpets before running into the battle.

There’s a principle to remember.   What comes out of our mouths demonstrates the faith that is in our hearts.   Instead of complaining, let that be praise and thanksgiving to God.   God honors faith and faith is alive by what we do. In bringing our needs to Him let what we do be praise.

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.

Psalm 17:6

My Redeemer Lives My Redeemer Lives

My Redeemer Lives (Live) - Ultimate Worship: Hillsong (Live)

Worship Tracks: My Redeemer Lives [Performance Track] - Worship Tracks

Redeemer

Songs of Isaiah chapter 12 Salvation Is Here

2010-09-25T17:16:00.002-05:00

CHAPTER 12
Singing God’s praise
1 And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

The word for praise means to give thanks and to confess. Our witness of Him should come from a heart of gratitude. It’s easy to talk about someone you love.

2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Talk about lyric sharing. These same words are found in The Song Of Moses from Exodus 15
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Victory in this verse is the same Hebrew word for salvation. In English it would be yeshua.

The Lord is my strength -
The Lord is my song -
He also is become my salvation - the Hebrew word for salvation is yeshua. This is a form of the name Jesus. Jesus literally means the Lord (Jehovah) is salvation

3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

John 4:14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.

4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

Thank God that we know that saving name of the Lord!

Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Salvation is something I will always celebrate. Like John Newton once wrote, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.

Salvation Is Here - Today Is the Day

Salvation Is Here (Song Story) - Lincoln Brewster video

Chords

More Promises From Psalms

2010-09-15T04:41:00.001-05:00

Psalm 24:3-5 (King James Version)

³Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
⁴He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
⁵He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalm 25:9 (King James Version)

⁹The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

Psalm 27:14 (King James Version)

¹⁴Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 31:24 (King James Version)

²⁴Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalm 32

¹Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

List take from Meredith's Book of Bible Lists
Meredith's Complete Book of Bible Lists: A One-of-a-Kind Collection of Bible Facts Meredith's Complete Book of Bible Lists: A One-of-a-Kind Collection of Bible Facts Meredith's Complete Book of Bible Lists: A One-of-a-Kind Collection of Bible Facts

When I Think About the Lord - Worship Collection, Vol. 2

still more mark condon worship leaders tips

2010-09-14T04:52:00.002-05:00

Tips came from Mark Condon's iclub facebook page. Check it out.

Worship Leading Tip #11

Try to make sure your praise singers are out towards the front of the platform and not hiding way in the back of the stage/platform. Don't try to hide behind the "stuff!" You need to be out front where you can minister and communicate effectively. Would your pastor preach from where your praise team stands? Remember, your team is there to lead!!!

I suggest that you have your praise team up across the front of the stage/platform.

Worship Leading Tip #12

What number are you at?

Don't ask for your situations to become easier or less just pray that you become bigger and better. Become a 10 person! If you are a 10 person, a 7 problem is achievable. If you are a 4 person, a 7 problem will eat your lunch!

Become bigger and more mature then what you are facing!

Worship Leading Tip #13

When the platform is confident the congregation is confident. So, know your material, parts, music and direction. Try to use music that your group can lead with confidence. This does not mean, never learn new material. It means rehearse until you are very confident!

It's better to do easy songs well than difficult songs average.

Worship Leading Tip #14

When you are leading in worship or ministering a solo, be very careful not to close your eyes all the time. The #1 way to communicate is through our eyes. I often see people get up and close out their congregations for long periods of time. To a new guest that does not know or understand all of our ways and cultures this can become very awkward to stare at someone who has their eyes closed all of the time.

I understand we do this under the auspices of "worshiping God" but we must remember that the best way to engage people is to keep eye contact. I also think we do this sometimes because we are just nervous and the people make us nervous. I am not saying don't ever close your eyes. I am just encouraging you to keep this at a minimum while you are up front leading.

Learn to make eye contact with your people.

Worship Leading Tip #15

Understand that you do not need to imitate someone else to lead effectively. Be YOURSELF! I personally feel that you become your most effective when you truly operate in your own identity and gifts. In my training sessions I often ask, "How many of you could not talk without using your hands?" Then I say, "If you talk with your hands then you should sing with your hands because that is the real you."

If you are expressive in the church lobby while in a normal conversation then that is the way you should be on the platform. Too often people are something different than themselves on the platform.

It is ok to be mentored but always understand that God has uniquely gifted you to be you! Don't limit God by trying to be someone else.

Hide all

Half Hearted Worship or Sold Out Worship

2010-09-11T22:54:00.004-05:00

When you read the last several epistles of the Bible it seems like the problem of false doctrines getting in the church was becoming worse. Throughout Paul’s letters you could see that he had to deal with those who wanted to make the works of the Law a means of salvation instead of the power of the cross.
All of Paul’s writings were finished before any of the Gospels were written. When you get to 1, 2, and 3 John and Jude they are dealing more with doctrines saying that Jesus isn’t God and idolatry. (1John 5:1, 18-21, 2 John 7-9, Jude 3-4) Jude told us these false teachers and would try to divide churches. (Jude 18-19)
We know that deception is always out there and Jude tells us what we can do to build our holy faith

Jude 1:20-21 (New King James Version)

²⁰ But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

In individuals divisive spirits will try to steal our prayer time and time in the Word. They will attack our trust and our joy. One of the first areas where divisiveness tries to work it’s way into a church is in the worship. Jude pointed to
three individuals that illustrate this.

Jude 11

Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

Cain first was exposed for hiding sin in his heart at the time him and his brother were to be offering thanksgiving sacrifices to God. His offering was rejected by God.

Balam although he had a relationship with God seemed to like to dabble in super-natural things that were not from God. Although he did not put a curse on Israel he told the king of Moab how he could bring a curse into Israel by tempting them into sin. (2 Peter 2:14-17, Revelation 2:14)

Korah led a rebellion in the Hebrew camp disputing about the rules God was giving through Moses. Korah and his followers were destroyed by God in a moment when the earth opened up and swallowed them. It’s interesting that Korah’s descendents were greatly used by God in the time of Solomon. They performed the worship music in the temple. Also in the time when Jehosophat went to battle having the worshippers lead the way. (2 Chronicles 20:19) They also wrote several of the Psalms. (Psalm 85, 87 and 88)   We don’t know for sure if Korah himself was involved in the music ministry but I think its safe to assume when you consider the structure of the levitical priesthood.

The devil constantly tries to use the worshippers to cause rebellion. This would make sense if he was the worship leader in heaven before he was filled with pride and iniquity.

They all had victims
   Cain’s victim was Abel
   Korah’s victim was his followers
   Balam’s victims were those who in Israel who gave into temptation.
Bitterness and rebellion will always have victims.

They were half hearted.
   None of these three were willing to walk in obedience to God.
They were all given a chance to repent.
   God confronted Cain and said, If you do what is right you will be accepted but if not sin lies at the    door.
   With Korah, Moses divided the camp. He had a chance to come back to Moses side.
   Balam was met by an angel that told him to only obey the Lord’s instructions.

They all felt they had a right to do the wrong things they did.

Your music ministry gives you influence on a lot of people. All the reason why the devil would want you to feel you had a right to rebel. Your ministry can be powerful but only when you are loyal to the leadership God has placed you under. David got into the castle because of his music ministry. Yet when he may have had the right to lift his hand against the king he refused to. When the Lord punished Miriam for her rebellion against Moses she found her way back to God in repentance.

Never give into the temptation to rebel against the leaders God has put over you. Or to get revenge on one of your brothers or sisters in the Lord. The devil would love to destroy the power of your worship. Nothing can tear apart the church faster than when the worship from the leaders is dry. Remember unity will make the anointing flow.

Psalm 133

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

¹ Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
         For brethren to dwell together in unity!

² It is like the precious oil upon the head,
         Running down on the beard,
         The beard of Aaron,
         Running down on the edge of his garments.
³ It is like the dew of Hermon,
         Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
         For there the LORD commanded the blessing—
         Life forevermore.

Keep praising the Lord no matter the situation.

²⁴Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

²⁵To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Jude

The Motions - Something to Say
Ultimate Tracks - The Motions - As Made Popular By Matthew West - EP - Ultimate Tracks

A Heart Of Thanks

2010-08-14T13:49:00.013-05:00

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Worship the King - Mark Condon

This last Sunday in the evening service I shared a testimony from a number of years ago.
It was on a Sunday morning I was leading in songs in the worship service. One of my jobs as the song leader was to pray for the prayer requests that had been turned in prior to service. The way this prayer requests were turned in is that the person making the request would write their need on small green piece of paper and bring it to the pulpit. While I was getting ready to pray for these needs the Lord quickened me to do something different. He told me I should read the request on each piece of paper and then have individuals in the congregation take each paper and just praise God while bringing the request to Him. I don’t remember if I had Philippians 4:6 on my mind at the time I was just trying to do what God was telling me. It so happened that several of the prayer requests were for people who were visiting the service that day to be saved. These individuals came up and took the papers with their names on them. When people began to praise the Lord a dear brother came and prayed with these individuals and they all received the Holy Ghost. It was really cool.

Praise is the expression of thanks to God. Truly our praise is powerful when it comes from a heart of thanksgiving. I wrote a post on this subject called A Passion For Praise.
I think about the story of the ten lepers from Luke 17.…

Jesus heals ten lepers

11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13 and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

The man who was healed expressed his thanks with a loud voice glorifying God, and bowing at the feet of Jesus. His thankfulness was expressed with acts of praise.

We lift our hands in praise to God. I’ve been told that we raise our hands just like an enemy surrenders to authority. I’ve also heard that we raise our hands because we know who the answer is.
I truly do want to have my will surrendered to God and I am sure that Jesus is the answer to every sin, disease, poverty or any need. His blood washes away every stain! The root meaning of the hands raised in ancient history is and expression of thanks. Remember that the next time you raise your hands to God in praise. It is a beautiful thing.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.

The Hebrew word for thanksgiving so I’m told, is a word that expresses a very deep heart felt gratitude. Even though Psalm 100 doesn’t talk about the heart yet there are a number of songs that use the word heart in reference to this song.

I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise.

Come into His presence with thanksgiving in your heart and give Him praise, and give Him praise.

With my hands lifted up and my mouth filled with praise, with a heart of thanksgiving I will bless thee oh Lord.

In Everything Give Thanks

Lashun Pace

Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5

The Songs Of Isaiah part 1

2010-07-27T19:17:00.001-05:00

When you read through the Old Testament prophets you’ll find many of their prophecies were actually in songs. In Isaiah only a couple of the chapters tell us that they are songs but if you look at the characteristics of Biblical songs you realize that many of the prophecies were written as songs.
In modern songs we consider rhyme very important. In Biblical times they considered metaphors and parallels very important. A parallel is recognized as two statements that add to each other or contrast each other.

Psalm 145:3 is a good example of a parallel statements that build on each other.

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

A modern song that uses good parallelism is Bill Gaither’s song, Let Freedom Ring.
Let Freedom Ring (Let Freedom Ring Version)

Isaiah 5 is the first chapter in the book that is labeled as a song.

vs 1 Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

Basically it was a song about someone who had a vineyard and did everything right to take care of it and protect it. Yet in spite of all his efforts the vines only grew bad grapes. God was telling His people that even though He had done every thing to save and protect them they still insisted on doing wrong.

Isaiah 5:7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

He begins to pronounce woes on the people who insist on doing wrong.

¹¹Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!

¹⁸ Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity,
And sin as if with a cart rope;

²⁰Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

²¹Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

²²Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

²³Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

We can see from scripture that the main purpose of music is to worship God. Yet here is a song of warning and exhortation. Sometimes our songs need to speak to one another.
Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Sometimes our songs need to teach and admonish one another.
Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Isaiah 5 is a clear warning to the people of God. We cannot live wickedly. We must let God’s grace cultivate spiritual fruit in our lives. We cannot let grace be an excuse for sin. Rom 6 The message of this song is clear.

Let me give this challenge to singers, songwriters and musicians. Pray that when you write, play or sing that God will give you the song that is most needed for those who will hear it. Don’t be afraid or lose faith if at times the exhortation of a song seems harsh.

I remember one time when I was asked to sing a song in church I chose a song called The Refiners Fire. It’s an older Steve Green song.
Refiner's Fire, The Refiner's Fire, The
Conviction came over the church and it led to a time of deep prayer and heart searching. The message may have been hard but the results were glorious. You will see that is the case in the next song of Isaiah we use in our devotion. Isaiah 12 is a song of mercy. Be encouraged

Said He Would Be With Me amazon
Said He Would Be With Me - The Greatest itunes

Today - Brian Doerksen itunes
chords

More tips for worship leaders from Mark Condon

2010-07-03T09:28:00.006-05:00

Worship leading tip # 6

Encourage all of your musicians to mentor at least one young person in your church for FREE! (yes, give lessons) When you sow you reap. You will bring up a crew of talented musicians, you may just change a young person forever and you will equip your church for growth! Several people win. The young person wins but also the person who is sowing!!! Develop the future!

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Serving over 1300 Worship leaders every month!
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Worship Leading Tip #7

Make sure you minister to all generations in your church. Everyone deserves to be encouraged into the presence of God. Don't forget to reach back for some nostalgic tunes that will bless and bring back incredible memories to the elder generation in our churches.

Worship Leading Tip #8

Worship must be a culture and a daily lifestyle. Not an "On Stage Thing." As a worship leader we can not take people somewhere where we have not been ourselves! It's not fun to follow someone who is lost or even takes the long way around!

Lead when no one is watching!

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Worship Leading Tip #9

Work harder on changing and improving yourself than you do on the people you serve weekly. I have found if you have issues "Ish YOU!" If WE grow, the people around us grow and then the whole church grows!!!

If you raise your bar, the people around you will raise theirs. Learn to play better, love people better, sing better, write better, be on time more, be healthier, be more positive and most of all hear the voice of God better!

Worship Leading Tip #10

Realize that all of our Worship Department's go through plateau seasons and just like a marriage calmly keep doing what is right and you will feel the next wave of momentum began to pick up.

Make sure you have a written plan for your program and Just keep working your plan!

Lack of focus always sabotages any dream, idea or plan.

Promises In the Psalms part 1

2010-06-21T22:56:00.000-05:00

This list of promises was take from the book, Meredith's Book Of Bible Lists. I hope it blesses you.

Psalm 1

The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

¹ Blessed is the man
         Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
         Nor stands in the path of sinners,
         Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
         And in His law he meditates day and night.
³ He shall be like a tree
         Planted by the rivers of water,
         That brings forth its fruit in its season,
         Whose leaf also shall not wither;
         And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1 Song by Kim Hill

Psalm 4:3 (New King James Version)

³ But know that the LORD has set apart^[a] for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
From All My Fears (Psalm 34:4-5, 15 - NIV)
I Will Lie Down And Sleep - Psalm 4:8

Psalm 15

A Psalm of David.

¹ LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
         Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

² He who walks uprightly,
         And works righteousness,
         And speaks the truth in his heart; Psalm 15

Psalm 16:11 (New King James Version)

¹¹ You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Fullness of Joy

Psalm 18:25 (New King James Version)

²⁵ With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;
         With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless

Psalm 19
⁷ The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
         The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
⁸ The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
         The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
⁹ The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
         The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold,
         Yea, than much fine gold;
         Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
         And in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

¹ The LORD is my shepherd;
         I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
         He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
         He leads me in the paths of righteousness
         For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
         I will fear no evil;
         For You are with me;
         Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
         You anoint my head with oil;
         My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
         All the days of my life;
         And I will dwell^[a] in the house of the LORD
         Forever.

The Lord Is My Shepherd Cissy Houston

Lord Is My Shepherd, The (Songs For The Shepherd Album Version) Keith Green

Worship God Alone

2010-06-08T10:03:00.008-05:00

Matthew 4:10 (King James Version)

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Within mankind in our very souls is the desire and need to worship. Somehow worship gives us a feeling of significance. It connects us to something greater than ourselves. I could say that we live in a day when our minds are distracted from worshiping only God. Yet throughout history worship of God alone has been an issue. In the Bible we see such idol names like Baal and Ashteroth. Jesus said, "you cannot serve God and Mammon. At Mars hill, where Paul went to evangelize, they were many idols. At Ephesus, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison because the people of that city felt that they threatened the worship of Diana. On mount Carmel, Elijah not only challenged the 450 prophets of Baal, there were also the 400 prophets of Ashtoreth. People actually came to Gideon's home to murder him because he tore down the idols of Baal.

What is the source of idolatry?

1 Corinthians 10:19-22

¹⁹ What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? ²⁰ Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. ²² Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

Absolutely idols were connected to the devil himself. He has, since his fall, tried to steal worship away from God and that is still something he strives for.

God wants our worship of Him to be exclusive. He is a jealous God and He should be. He cares for us. He provides for us. He created us. He offers us salvation. He offers us healing. Every thing that is good and right comes from Him. An idol never demands exclusivity.

^{Deuteronomy6:13}Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

¹⁴Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

It's not that people didn't worship God. They did not want to worship Him alone. David prayed for a united heart. It was a divided heart that would serve other gods.

Psalm 86

⁸ Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. ⁹ All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name. ¹⁰ For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.¹¹Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. ¹²I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

They Set Up Idols In Their Heart

We have to understand that idols were not statue. The idols had to do with ideals.

Ezekiel 14

¹Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.

²And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

³Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

When God talked to Ezekiel about the elders idolatry, He made a distinction between the idol and their heart and the stumblingblock of their iniquity (the statue). Even the first two ten commandments shows this distinction.

You shall have to other gods before Me

You shall not make any graven images.

Each of these idols stood for an ideal. Ideals such as power, blessing the harvest, fertility, pleasure, victory, prosperity, strength, intelligence, learning and beauty. When we see what these idols really are we have to take a look at our own lives. We cannot let the blessings God gives become our pursuit instead of God Himself being our pursuit. When we spend all our time worrying about these things, God cannot pour out blessings and promises and even worse He becomes jealous.

Ezekiel 14

⁷ For anyone of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell in Israel, who separates himself from Me and sets up his idols in his heart and puts before him what causes him to stumble into iniquity, then comes to a prophet to inquire of him concerning Me, I the LORD will answer him by Myself. ⁸ I will set My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.

Romans 1 Idolatry begins with unthankfulness and thanksgiving is where worship begins.

²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

He alone deserves our worship. We must always remember worship God alone. And Matthew 6:33.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

There Is None Like You
I Worship You Almighty God/There Is None Like You
There Is None Like You
In The Garden / There Is None Like You - Medium key performance track w/ background vocals
You Are God Alone (Not A God)

Tips for Worship Leaders

2010-05-22T22:55:00.004-05:00

Brother Mark Condon has to be one of my favorite music ministers. Whenever I am interceding in prayer and I need a spiritual answer to come to me. I will put on one of Mark Condon's cd's. Just like when Elisha called for a musician when he was seeking an answer for the three kings. On Mark's facebook page he has been sharing some tips for worship leaders. I have gotten his permission to share them on praising for victory. Link up to Mark Condon's facebook page. You won't be disappointed.

TIP #1 One of the best things you could ever do for your church and music department is learn a NEW slammin' song! Fresh music does wonders! OK! Please list one thing you think would help jump start new enthusiasm into your church's worship experience?

Tip #2 Take personal responsibility as a worship "LEADER" or should I say a Lead worshiper! Do not blame the congregation or condemn them if you do not care for their response. Just help create an atmosphere where they can tap in. You just never know what all God is doing even when it is not apparent. When the platform... is confident the congregation will be confident! LEAD!

TIP #3 Remember to sing worship songs that actually engage the congregation and doesn't just entertain them. Some songs sound incredible but they do not arrest people into His presence! Hype is not the goal but rather connecting people to their creator is the goal. There is a difference between perfection and excellence!!!

Tip #4 Work like it's up to you and pray like it's up to God. In other words, REHEARSE each week for each week! If we want to have the impact of the preaching of the word then we will have to do, study, pray and prepare with the same intensity. I hardly doubt your Pastor studies once a month for all 4 weeks.

Tip #5 ~ Try to have time to minister a minimum of 3 songs consecutive where you can create a flow. Do not be so quick to rush to your next song. Allow time for people to enjoy spontaneous worship. Encourage worship going in and out of songs. Preaching between every song and/or announcements between songs stop the flow!

You Reign SHEET MUSIC SATB

Mark Condon on itunes

Worship In The Face Of Criticism

2010-05-08T09:47:00.002-05:00

John 10: 10. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

There are three things the enemy would want to steal from you.

The Word (parable of the sower)
Your Witness
Your worship.

All three are really connected. The Promises of the Word will stir up worship in you and worship will cause you to tell others about the good things of God. This is why the devil would want to steal these things from you. He will use fear, temptation, discouragement, distrust. He will find a way to steal your joy. If he can get your joy he can get you to loose trust and to doubt and then to become bitter and to fall into sin.

Sin will take all three from you. It will keep you distracted from the Word. Withouthe the Word you will not worship and without worship you cannot be a witness. Thank God for the blood of Jesus that was shed that we might find grace and mercy and restoration.

Psalm 51:12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Some of the criticizers.

Michal

1 chronicles 15:29. And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, that Michal, the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

The Pharisees

Luke 19:37. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

38. Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

39. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

The Chief Priests

Matthew 21:15. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

I can worship in the face of criticism because the Bible commands us to praise Him

When you are living for God you don't have to be afraid of what people will do to you or say about you.

Hebrews13:5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

(psalm 27)

Psalm 118: 6. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Within Every criticism of the worshipper is a failure of the criticiser to recognize who Jesus really is.

Judas did not want Mary to anoint Jesus' feet. Questioning Jesus mission

Goliath mocked God's army. Questioning God's strength.

Nebuchadnezzar threatened the Hebrew boys to worship his statue instead of God. Questioning God's power.

In every case the criticiser wanted the worshipper to change his or her focus. The worshippers stayed focused on God and God delivered them. Their witness stayed strong. Their trust in God was strengthened and their worship was filled with thankfullness and faith.

In Psalm 137 we have a sad song. It came from the Israelites that were captive in Babylon. The Babylonians knew the Israelites for the worhsip they gave to God. They wanted them to sing. They wanted to hear a good Gospel song. Yet sadly this psalmist said, we hung up our harps. How can I sing the Lord's song in a strange land. This song showed their focus on their circumstances. They carcd more about contempt for their enemy.

We can't allow circumstances to keep us from the Word or from worship or from witness. If we can pull our hearts away from the cares of life and the deceitfulness of sin; if we will not allow our hearts to grow hard where we won't allow the Word to heal then we will have a song of victory.

Praise You In This Storm
Praise You In This Storm (Medium W/o Background Vocals) (Performance Track)
Praise You In The Storm - Medium w/background vocals ([Performance Track])
Praise You In The Storm - High w/background vocals ([Performance Track])
Praise You In The Storm [Performance Tracks]