Why I Worship

What Is Worship, Why Do We Worship, How to Worship

If I can Just SEE Him…

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Luke chapter two tells us the story of a man named Simeon.

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;30 For my eyes thave seen Your salvation31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

I have, over the past few years, become a very enthusiastic Oklahoma City Thunder fan. I decided for the 2011-2012 season to purchase season tickets to all of their home games. Great fun!

I am unable to go to some of the games because of my work as a worship leader at a church. When I can’t go, I sell the tickets.

It is amazing to me what some people will pay to watch a sporting event.

When the Miami Heat came to town, people were spending very large amounts of money for tickets. Why? Well, I will not say his name because I’m NOT a fan, but “you know who” was in town. People would say “I just want to see him play!”

We have heard time and time again that God is going to do something beyond our wildest imagination in these last days. That He is going to move in such a mighty way that it an only be attributed to His power and glory.

My prayer, for years, has been “Father, please just let me see it. Let me be close by when it happens. I don’t care if I’m involved at all, if I’m on a stage, or holding a microphone. Just let me see it.”

My expectation is at the highest place it’s ever been to see a move of our mighty God. I believe it’s coming soon.

What’s your level of expectation? Are you, like Simeon, waiting with great desire to see what God has promised? Or are you allowing the routine things of life dull your expectation for what God has in store?

My prayer for you today is that you will allow the joy of the Lord to become your strength for waiting. That just the knowledge that he has promised to move will awaken your heart and soul to seek Him and his purpose for your life.

Those verses at the top of this post mention that Simeon was “devout”, that He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and that the Holy Spirit was on him and had revealed to him a promise from God. Then it says he went to the temple…

My prayer for you is that you will not only be awakened and have strength for the waiting, but that you will also be so moved by the promise of God, that you will do something about it.

Don’t just sit there and miss your promise!!!

What’s More Important?

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Alright, here’s a question for you: What is the most important aspect of Worship in churches?

I hear a lot of “buzz words” like excellence, relevance, and so on in reference to how we “do worship” in our churches. I think it is good for us to work hard to produce a spirit of excellence in what we do. I also think there is some value to whether or not people can relate to what we are doing. You wouldn’t want to go into a church that is made up of mostly upper class white people in their 50s and 60s and try to get them to worship to grunge rock worship music (extreme example; I know, but you get the idea).

There are so many different things we can become focused on in building teams, working with musicians, developing leaders, and leading worship in services that I’m afraid we often miss the things that are most important.

So, here’s the task: if I were to ask you as a worship leader, a worship team member, or a church member; what is the most important piece of the “church worship” puzzle? What would your answer be?

I would like to take your answers and compile them in a list so please let me know whether you are a worship leader, a worship team member, or a church member when you leave you comments.

I will post the final results later. Thanks for your help.

Ready… GO!