Devotions For Music Ministers

Powerful Praise

2013-04-30T08:22:00.000-05:00

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!Hosanna in the highest!”  

 Matthew 21:9

The multitude was singing God's praises as Jesus came into Jerusalem. The 12 disciples had put their coats on the donkey for Jesus to sit on.  The multitudes threw their coats on the ground so that the donkey would not have to walk on the dirt.  The gospels also tell us that the people took leafy branches and waived them in praise to Jesus. The people were loud and festive in their praises.  Jesus had recently raised Lazarus from the dead.  Now there were many new disciples.  Many people were speculating that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.   The words the people saying were from Psalm 118:26.  Psalm 118 is a passover psalm.  Praising with this Psalm showed that they believed Jesus had come to deliver them.

The  pharisees instructed Jesus to rebuke his disciples. 

 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Luke 19:40

When Jesus was in Jerusalem He went to the temple and he chased out the money changers and the merchants.  He used Scriptures from Isaiah and Jeremiah saying, "It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." 

  The scribes and pharisees were angry.  They didn't understand Jesus answer to their objection.  Yet there were still young children saying, "Blessed is the king of Israel, who comes in the name of the Lord."

Jesus then quoted from Psalm 8.

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? Matthew 21:16

Now read verse 14.   And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

Here is the true power in our praise.   Psalm 22 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people.  When we demonstrate our praise to Jesus it is like we our laying our coats on the road so that He doesn't have to walk on the dirt road.  We are rolling out the red carpet for Him!  When He is invited into a place with praise and worship He comes in as king.  He can then cleanse people and bring them back into a life of prayer.  He can minister and heal because of the faith that is demonstated in praise.   We establish His reign on our lives and we allow Him to turn the tables in our hearts and cleanse us and of those who are with us to.   We want to minister to others the love of God.  Doesn't it make more sense to praise God and let Him minister to people in ways we cannot?  Never forget the praise you give Him is powerful.

Digital Sheet Music

The Faith Of A Worshipper

2013-04-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

“The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
from 1 Samuel 17:37

Everyone looked at the situation as a lost cause. No one believed there was any hope of deliverance or victory. Goliath was too big of an enemy. His mockery of God went unchallenged. His defiance of God's people only caused them to fear. Then came David. David was different from the rest of God's people. David was a man of much prayer. David was a man of worship. David knew his God personally from hours of being alone with Him. Some of David's family probably said, "He is too heavenly minded to be any earthly good."

David knew what it meant to dwell in the secret place with God. (Psalm 91)

Now others tried to discourage him from making a move of faith. David's older brother accused him of being full of pride. King Saul tried to get him to see that he was too young and Goliath was too strong. Goliath mocked David and let him know exactly how he planned to destroy him.

David proclaimed the delivering power of God. David proclaimed the strength of God. David proclaimed the power of the name of God. The battle was before him but David knew God was with him.

Too many times we let our fears distract us from worshiping God. We look to our own strength and it always comes up short. The enemies of God mock us for our faith and we fall into the trap of believing them and living in fear. We need to learn this lesson from David so we have the faith that he had.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Why could David say this? Look where David's heart was.

⁴One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

⁶And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

⁸When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

¹³I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

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

Let this be your confession today. Be blessed as you seek God's face and give Him praise.

Perfected Praise

2012-12-07T21:14:00.000-06:00

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? Matthew 21:16

Jesus quoted this Scripture from Psalm 8 in response to the Pharisees command to quiet the children. The children had been praising God for Jesus coming to Jerusalem. When you look at Psalm 8:2 it might not make sense how Jesus quoted it. Jesus talked about perfected praise.

^{Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.}

^{Psalm 8:2}

^{The Psalm says ordained strength and Jesus quoted it as perfected praise. What does one have to do with the other? I want to show you the connection. Starting with the prophet Jeremiah.}

^{Jeremiah was called to prophesy during a terrible time in Judah's history. The king was an idol worshipper. The king did not want to listen to Jeremiah's warning. The country was giving itself over to idolatry. Jeremiah prophesied warning the people of Babylon's invasion. He told them they needed to surrender to Babylon in order to live. Yet the people did not want to surrender. They believed God would save them even though they had completely turned their backs on Him. The considered Jeremiah's prophecies to be treason. Jeremiah was put into a dungeon. Read his lament.}

O Lord, you have deceived me,

and I was deceived;

you are stronger than I,
^{and you have prevailed.}
I have become a laughingstock all the day;
^{everyone mocks me.}⁸
For whenever I speak, I cry out,

  I shout, “Violence and destruction!”

For the word of the Lord has become for me

  a reproach and derision all day long.
⁹
If I say, “I will not mention him,

  or speak any more in his name,”

there is in my heart as it were a burning fire
^{shut up in my bones,}
and I am weary with holding it in,

  and I cannot.
¹⁰^{For I hear many whispering.}
  Terror is on every side!

“Denounce him! Let us denounce him!”

  say all my close friends,

  watching for my fall.

“Perhaps he will be deceived;

  then we can overcome him

  and take our revenge on him.”
¹¹
But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior;

  therefore my persecutors will stumble;

  they will not overcome me.

They will be greatly shamed,
^{for they will not succeed.}
Their eternal dishonor

  will never be forgotten.
¹²
O Lord of hosts, who tests the righteous,

  who sees the heart and the mind,^[a]

let me see your vengeance upon them,

  for to you have I committed my cause.

¹³

Sing to the Lord;

praise the Lord!

For he has delivered the life of the needy

from the hand of evildoers.

¹⁴

Cursed be the day

on which I was born!

The day when my mother bore me,

  let it not be blessed!
¹⁵
Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father,

“A son is born to you,”

  making him very glad.
¹⁶
Let that man be like the cities

  that the Lord overthrew without pity;

let him hear a cry in the morning
^{and an alarm at noon,}¹⁷^{because he did not kill me in the womb;}
  so my mother would have been my grave,

  and her womb forever great.
¹⁸^{Why did I come out from the womb}
  to see toil and sorrow,

  and spend my days in shame? Jeremiah 20

Did you see that? In the middle of Jeremiah's complaint he praised the Lord. "What good did that do?" you may ask. Do you feel like praising God in when you are in the middle of a problem? Espescially a problem you don't deserve. How about a situation you are in because you did what God told you to do? What is this perfected praise? To get a little closer to the answer let's look at Job.

We have the benefit of knowing what was going on in heaven before Job's trial. We know how Satan came to accuse Job of cheap service. In all of Job's faithfullness God allowed Satan to devastate Job. God had two purposes in mind in this situation. The first is that He would receive glory. The second was to shut up the devil. Did you see the last part of Psalm 8:2?

^{that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.}

^Imagine what God could have said to the the devil when Job proclaimed, Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. (from Job 13:15)

"Now what do have to say about Job?" The devil had no answer. Job's praise to God shut up the enemy.

Now what are you going through? Is life not fair? Are situation impossible. I think it's time to turn on some perfected praise. Even though you don't understand what you're going through you can raise your voice in praise to Jesus. You can sing about His goodness and mercy to deliver you. I can promise you the devil will have nothing to say against you. That's perfected praise!

Lifted Up

2012-10-29T08:55:00.003-05:00

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

Isaiah 6:1-3

What a magnificent sight it was to see the throne of God and the angels lifting Him up in praises. They were singing Holy, holy holy is the Lord of hosts. The sight caused Isaiah to see his own sinfulness and seek for cleansing. How can our response be any different when we see the Lord? His glory lets us see ourselves for who we are. His presence is so awesome you never want to leave. His vision becomes yours and there is no longer any thing else you want to live for. If you have never been in this close to God in prayer it would be good for you to seek Him in prayer until you can tangibly feel His presence. It is more than just a good feeling. The presence of His majesty is life changing.

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

John 8:28

Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth,will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

John 12:31-33

English Standard Version

It was something much different when Jesus spoke of being lifted up. He was talking about the cross. The cross was a place of shame. Yet we see it as a place of victory. The cross was a place of punishment. Yet we see it as a place of redemption. Pilate and Herod threatened Jesus with the cross but the truth is they couldn't stop Him from going there. He had a mission, a passion, a purpose that He was determined to fulfill. No one could keep Him from accomplishing it. Pilate tried to set Him free. Peter tried to defend Him. At any moment He could have called down 10000 angels to save Him but He refused to. Hebrews 12 tells us it was because of the joy that was before Him. The joy of drawing His children to Himself.

The world tries to shame him and religion tries to marginalize Him and politics

try to control Him. Yet He is still glorified. He is still the only Lord and Saviour and He is still in control. We want to lift Him up with the angels in praise and worship to honor and glorify Him. Others want to lift Him in shame but even in their efforts to destroy Him, He is still glorified and victorious. The angels are still singing His triumphant praises and so are we.

Stand - Michael W. Smith itunes

Digital Sheet Music

Praise Hymn Sound Tracks

Devotions 40 +

2012-10-12T22:51:00.003-05:00

Powerful Praise

Perfected Praise

The Faith Of A Worshipper

Lifted High

Bless His Name

Morning Star

The Undeniable Testimony Of Praise

My Strength And Song

The Father Seeks For Worshipers

Devotion 31 -40

2012-10-12T18:48:00.005-05:00

The Power Of Genuine Praise

The Songs Of Ascent

Glory Praise and Dominion

Celebrate

Untainted Worship

Let There Be Light

A Sounding Brass Or Clanging Cymbal

Think Praise

A Testimony From A Worship Leader

The Joy Of The Lord

Devotions 21 - 30

2012-10-12T08:59:00.004-05:00

Tips For Worship Leaders from Mark Condon

Worship God Alone

More Tips For Worship Leaders from Mark Condon

Songs Of Isaiah part 1

A Heart Of Thanks

Half Hearted Worship Or Sold Out Worship

Still More Tips from Mark Condon

Songs Of Isaiah part 2 Salvatian Is Here

Praising B 4 Victory

Praise Verse List

Devotions 11-20

2012-10-10T12:44:00.000-05:00

Singing That Brings God's Presence

The Original Christmas Songs

God's Glory And Worship

Minister To God

Triumphed Gloriously part 1

Triumphed Gloriously part 2

Triumphed Gloriously part 3

Anointed Worship

The Sacrifice Of Praise

Worship Ih The Face Of Criticism

First 10 Devotions

2012-07-10T20:33:00.002-05:00

PRAISING FOR VICTORY

HEALING DURING WORSHIP

SKILLED WORSHIP

TALENT VS. ANOINTING

THE CHURCH OF ZION

WHEN MUSICIANS WORSHIP

TRUE WORSHIP

A PASSION FOR PRAISE

WHY I WORSHIP THIS WAY

WHEN JEALOUSY ARISES

My Strength And Song

2012-05-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

I've been reading a book by Joy Haney called Living On The Miracle Level. I just want to share some of the thoughts from a chapter called Living In Strength.

After reading the books of the Law to the people of Israel, Nehemiah noticed that they had become very sad. They were sad because they had realized how bad they had broken God's law. Nehemiah wanted them to stop focusing on the past for their hearts were ready to follow the Lord. Faith and repentance are the first steps to following God. So Nehemiah gave this well known instruction.

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Many verses link the attributes of my strength and my song to the Lord.

Exodus 15:2 Psalm 118:14

The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Isaiah 12:2(NASB)

“Behold, God is my salvation,

I will trust and not be afraid;

For the Lord God is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation.”

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him.

The right kind of singing brings joy. In the times you probably don't feel like singing that you can find the greatest strength in doing so. Remember that discouragement, worthlessness, hopelessness, unworthyness, doubt, fear, anxiety, lonliness and exclusion are all enemies of faith. A song of praise may not seem appropriate to your human nature but it's the exact weapon the enemy doesn't want you to pull out. There have been many times when I didn't have the answer I needed to problems . As much as I would pray I would still feel helpless in my circumstances. Then in my prayers the Lord would put a song on my heart. I'd start to sing and the Lord would flood me with strength and wisdom for my problem. I suddenly would have an overwhelming amount of faith and confidence in Him.

Psalm 89:15-17

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

Sister Haney writes this concerning these verses.
Blessed, light, rejoice, exalted, glory, strength: these are the words used to describe what happens to those who learn how to rejoice in the Lord, those who enter his gates with thanksgiving and into hi courts with praise.

The Undeniable Testimony of Praise

2012-03-26T09:21:00.001-05:00

Peter and John were on their way to the temple for prayer. We can read this account in Acts 3.

1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed.
todaw: an extension of the hands, adoration, a chorus of worshippers, confession, thanksgiving.

click here for audio

The very testimony of this man was in his praise. His praise was a testimony to the power of the name of Jesus. No one could deny what Jesus had done for him. The miracle could be seen. His walking and leaping and praising God was proof.

Worship and thanksgiving are very heart felt and may not be accompanied by outward expression. Praise is always visible. Praise many times is the key that will lead us into worship and thanksgiving. I may not always feel like worshipping because of pain, weariness or discouragement. In those times I can tell my flesh that I'm going to praise the Lord anyway. No matter how I feel I can still raise my hands to heaven and thank God for all of His goodness and for who He is. There's something about the power of the name of Jesus and the victory He gives us over sin, habits, emotions and sicknesses that just makes me feel like lifting my hands or jumping around, or shouting hallelujah! Victory always brings excitement. When Jesus comes into a persons life He gives them victory.

The prophet Habakkuk brings another perspective on the testimony of praise. Habakkuk had warned Israel of the judgement they were facing in that time. Yet when the judgement came the prophet was overwhelmed with grief. He complained to God how that a nation even more sinful was used to bring judgement. Yet even in this terrible trauma the book of Habakkuk ends with a song.

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:18-19
The Hebrew words for joy and rejoice in these verses have a notable translation.
giyl: to spin around
alaz: to jump for joy

Even at times we don't understand what God is doing we need to rejoice in Him. It's in those times He will be our strength to endure the trials.

Even if your deliverance is no as outwardly evident as the lame man at the temple gate your outward praise is just as much a testimony to the miraculous, healing, delivering power of the name of Jesus Christ, His blood, and His mercy. No song can capture this awesomeness. All the special effects and technology cannot create this glory. No stage crew or lightshow or even talented musician can demonstrate God's glory as these simple expressions of worship. Governments can't bring this kind of peace. Money can't provide this kind of security. Materials can't bring this kind of joy. Let a testimony of praise be your testimony.

Digital Sheet Music

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 Father Seeks For Worshipers

2011-12-01T08:57:00.000-06:00

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 4:23-24

When the woman at the well was face to face with the Son of God she was curious about what He had to offer her. He so lovingly but accurately confronted her with who she was and how she had violated God's law. She tried to create an argument about where it was appropriate to worship God. Jesus told her in essence that it was not where that made the difference but it was the identity of the worshiper that makes the difference. Many can get caught up in a worship service with the act of worship yet just like the woman in John 4 do not want to deal with their sin. Yet dealing with our hearts is primary to being the kind of worshiper that God is seeking. I am truly in awe of the fact that there are those people who God is actually desiring worship from while others who He would rather not get worship from. The idea that God is looking for those who worship in spirit and in truth is absolutely amazing. It seems that many churches understand spirited worship. Unfortunately too many use exciting contemporary music and demonstrative praise as a means to draw crowds. There is only One that I am concerned about attracting with spirited worship. I know He is looking for more than spirit. He is also looking for truth. How do I measure up to the Ten Commandments. The plane truth is I don't. I have failed miserably and stand in need of the blood that Jesus has shed on the cross. One lie makes a liar. Anything stolen no matter how small makes a thief. Anger without a cause makes a murderer and a lustful look makes an adulterer. Anything I make more important to me than my time and relationship with God is an idol. Repentance at the foot of the cross is my only option. This is the truth. Jesus is truth and the way and the life. Knowing what He has done for me makes me grateful. Truly grateful from the depths of my heart. The book of Psalms tells us many times that a heart of gratitude is what we need to approach the Lord. Just like the woman in John 4 as she went out to proclaim everything that Jesus had done for her. She proclaimed Him to be the Christ. Many came to Jesus and were healed as the result of her testimony. Many more believed when they saw what Jesus did for themselves. Acknowledgement of the evil of my sin and repentance is mandatory in being the kind of worshiper that is going to bring Jesus to the heart of sinners and change their lives forever. Let your worship be in spirit and in truth.

Worship Tracks: Hear My Worship (As Made Popular By Jaime Jamgochian)[Performance Track] - Worship Tracks

Hear My Worship - Reason to Live

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

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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

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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.

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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.