Praise Week Three – Day 3:  “A Relational God”

Rewind

God created us…God loves us…and needs nothing from us.  Or…does He?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Mt 22:36-40)

Revamp

Why would a God who is capable of everything and lacking in nothing need for us to love Him?  The answer is simple and, yet, just as complex :

Our God is a relational God.  He wants to have a relationship with you.  There are a few things to understand about this aspect of God – and relationships.

God is not the only one who has something important to say.

God wants to have a dialouge with you – much like your spouse wants to have a conversation with you.  All too often, we spend plenty of time 1/2 listening and not near enough time talking.  Grant it, we may treat our own relationships like that as well.  The truth is, though, that God wants a two way conversation with you.  If the conversation He is having is one way…start talking!

God is not the only one with something important to do and the power to do it.

All too often we expect God to perform miracles, but forget that we are sometimes part of God’s  mechanism of carrying out miracles.  God uses us in this manner of relationship to be His hands and feet.  If our body isn’t moving…start moving.

Reconnect

God longs to have a relationship with you.  Take a few moments and renew your relationship with Him today!

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts as you share them on the blog.  Please log in to the discussions at www.gotworship.net and leave your comment.

In Christ,

Jason Whitehorn, Founder of www.gotworship.net

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Note:  This series is based on the book Pure Praise by Dwayne Moore.  We highly encourage you get this book to aid you in your ministry.  More details on the book can be obtained from the author’s website here or you can purchase the book by clicking the “Buy Now” link below.

Praise Week Three – Day 2 :  “Who Do YOU Say I Am!”

Rewind

This week is crucial.  In order for us to understand the God we are worshiping, the God who created us to worship, and the the God who loves us – we have to understand who He is.  We may have all kinds of answers about who God is – but do we have a firm grasp outside of a list of cliches?  Jesus was very good about making people think about who He was.

Revamp

Let’s take a look at an interesting conversation between Jesus and a few of the disciples in John 14.  Jesus is explaining that He is about to go away to Heaven and the disciples are a bit lost.

⁵Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?”

^6-7Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!”

⁸Philip said, “Master, show us the Father; then we’ll be content.”

^9-10“You’ve been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don’t understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, ‘Where is the Father?’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you aren’t mere words. I don’t just make them up on my own. The Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act.

You can almost hear Jesus subtly saying “you don’t get it…do you?”  But, then again, He has historically been good with provoking people’s thoughts about who He is and who God is…even those who should know him the best.  Take, for instance, the story of the fishes and loaves.  Imagine this:

You have just seen this huge display of miracles after hearing a great sermon from Jesus.  No one wants to go home.  It is an amazing experience.  Why would anyone want to go home?  Soon, everyone gets hungry and some kid comes up with a few measly fish and some bread.  Jesus blesses the food and has his crew pass it out.  it feeds thousands!  WOW!  Another miracle!  You see jesus retire with his dicples and you decide to sneak away with them.  They all sit in a circle and Jesus looks at them and asks,

“who do the people say I am?”

Some of the disciples try to answer – but Jesus has this look on His face like He is merely humoring them.  Finally he shakes His head..almost laughing and says…

“who do YOU say I am?”

You want to play armchair quarterback and tell them exactly the right words to say…but Jesus sees YOU sitting there.  And asks you the same question.

“who do YOU say that I am?”

Reconnect

There are some questions that neither I nor Dwayne Moore can never answer for you.  This is one of them.  It’s one that I am sure that God is still smiling about…. waiting for your best answer.  Take a few moments of quiet time – and answer Him.

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts as you share them on the blog.  Please log in to the discussions at www.gotworship.net and leave your comment.

In Christ,

Jason Whitehorn, Founder of www.gotworship.net

____________________________________________________________________________________

Note:  This series is based on the book Pure Praise by Dwayne Moore.  We highly encourage you get this book to aid you in your ministry.  More details on the book can be obtained from the author’s websitehere

Pure Praise Week Three – Day 1 :  “Outside of The Black & white!”

Rewind

Have you ever assessed your vocal range?  How many octaves can you sing in?  Do me a favor – just for fun – grab a piano or keyboard and play every note.  Play the whites and the blacks from the lowest range to the highest and begin and end singing where you comfortably can.  If you don’t have a piano or keyboard handy, find a “Virtual Piano” online to play along with.  You can find one here.  Take a couple of minutes to do this – then come back to the devotional when you are done.

Revamp

No matter your skill at singing – I doubt any of you could hit every note…especially if you are using a full 88 key piano.  It would just appear, for the most part, impossible.  Its not that any particular range is impossible for any particular voice but, rather, being able to hit all notes.  Even without trying, those who are tone deaf are capable of hitting notes within a chromatic scale.  Still, no matter what level of experience we find ourselves – there are still more notes to be obtained.

Much in the same manner, God is like the notes of music.  We each have a level of understanding of God as well as a level of things yet to be learned about God.  Just like our vocal range when played out on an 88 key piano, our understanding or maturity in understanding God is limited.  It varies based on a wide amount of factors.  My spiritual maturity may be different from yours – and yours may be different from your spouse’s.  Likewise, the remaining keys left on the piano remind me of the vast amount of growth and spiritual maturity and understanding I have yet to obtain about God.  Can my vocal range grow?  Absolutely!  So can my knowledge as I study and spend time growing.

There is, however, one trully amazing aspect of this whole piano saga – the notes we don’t hear.  You see, a piano may be limited in the amount of keys it has – but it is only limited because of the limitations of our own hearing.  Most people can’t translate the frequencies needed to make out notes much higher or lower than a full 88 key piano and, therefore, they become unused.  It doesn’t however, mean that the notes don’t exist.  God exists in these spaces as well.

It is easy for us to forget that, while we look at things in a certain amount of dimensions or senses, God exists in dimensions far beyond our understanding.  He is everywhere…and He IS everything at the same time.

Reconnect

Understanding the pitches on the piano keyboard that we can hear is a much easier concept than hearing pitches that, to our ears, don’t seem to be there.  Isn’t that kind of like faith, though?

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts as you share them on the blog.  Please log in to the discussions at www.gotworship.net and leave your comment.

In Christ,

Jason Whitehorn, Founder of www.gotworship.net

____________________________________________________________________________________

Note:  This series is based on the book Pure Praise by Dwayne Moore.  We highly encourage you get this book to aid you in your ministry.  More details on the book can be obtained from the author’s websitehere

Pure Praise Week Two – Day 5 :  “Everybody Clap Your Hands!”

Rewind

Recently, I worshiped in Atlanta, Georgia with family and new friends at the Salvation Army Worship Center at the Salvation Army Headquarters.  My wife, kids, and I were there to support her Uncle who was retiring as a Major in the Salvation Army after more than forty years.  My home church is fairly progressive…which I think translates to “we totally rock some praises with a U2 style to it.”  Genuine as it is…it still isn’t your typical traditional worship service.

I needed to be worshiping on this particular Sunday, however, with the Salvation Army – not for any particular doctrine or sermon…but for the change of music pace.  There we were, singing old hymns with one of the best brass bands the Salvation Army has to offer…and everyone started clapping in a very military rhythmic fashion.  For a moment…it was humorous.  It was a far-cry from what I was accustomed to.  I was quickly humbled by recalling a verse from Psalms.

Oh clap your hands, all ye peoples; Shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (Psalm 47:1)

Notice that it says “clap your hands all ye peoples”.  I did some research and found that the Hebrew translation of “all” means….well…all.

Revamp

As of late, I have been doing a lot of thinking about worship styles – even as far as worship on a global scale.  What we do in the United States may not be the same as what is done in the most remote regions of Africa.  Our worship styles are different…but the way we use our bodies and abilities aren’t so different.  Some shout, some sing, some play drums, some play guitar, some dance…but we all offer our worship.   Why would it be strange for me to clap my hands in a military fashion?  The answer…because I am not accustomed to it.  The Bible gives plenty of references to clapping, however…even going so far as to mention that nature will even clap in worship.

You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12

Reconnect

Try something in worship you aren’t accustomed to.  Do you clap in worship?  Encourage your congregation to clap.  Do you shout? Shout!  Whatever you do…offer it up in the fullest for God.  He’ll enjoy it.  While you’re at it…take a break from your devotional studies and shout and clap for God right now.  He deserves it!

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts as you share them on the blog.  Please log in to the discussions at www.gotworship.net and leave your comment.

In Christ,

Jason Whitehorn, Founder of www.gotworship.net

____________________________________________________________________________________

Note:  This series is based on the book Pure Praise by Dwayne Moore.  We highly encourage you get this book to aid you in your ministry.  More details on the book can be obtained from the author’s websitehere

Pure Praise Week Two – Day 4 :  “Touchdown, Jesus!”

Rewind

The picture above was one from my camera phone a few months back.  One of my most cherished times is getting to have my dad drive up to Nashville to go see a Titans game with me.  Our seats are the absolute best…right on the 45 yard line in the Club section – home side.   I love the excitement there when the Titans score.  Everyone in our club section shares in an explosion of high fives…my dad yells out “all right!  Touchdown, Titans!”  It is an aweome feeling…and knowing that I am sharing the victory with those that I love and those that I can bond with with makes it all the better.

Revamp

I have to agree with Dwayne Moore in our focus book Pure Praise when he draws a similar parallel to football.  ”Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the next time someone comes forward to receive Christ in our churches, we all stood up and shouted, ‘Touchdown, Jesus!’?”

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. (Psalm 98:4)

Reconnect

Over the years, I think we’ve convinced  ourselves that we have to keep quiet – whether out of fear of how we will look to others or how we will look or sound to ourself.   The next time you feel like making a joyful noise to God…let it out!  After all, I think you’ll find that knowing you are sharing the Victory with those that you love and those that you can bond with with makes it all the better.

Touchdown, Jesus!

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts as you share them on the blog.  Please log in to the discussions at www.gotworship.net and leave your comment.

In Christ,

Jason Whitehorn, Founder of www.gotworship.net

____________________________________________________________________________________

Note:  This series is based on the book Pure Praise by Dwayne Moore.  We highly encourage you get this book to aid you in your ministry.  More details on the book can be obtained from the author’s websitehere

Pure Praise Week Two – Day 3 :  “With Arms Wide Open”

Rewind

Do you have kids?  If you do then you understand the lobster claw.  You can be in the middle of a conversation with another adult or doing a variety of things…and there is this miniature version of you below you with outstretched arms – hands “pinching” like a lobster claw over nd over as if to say “pick me up!  pick me up!”

They want our attention…they want to be loved.  They want to show us that they love us, too.  We did it as children.  More than likely, there was always an adult in your life that loved you enough that they would drop everything to pick you up and give you all the attention in the world…

…there still is.

Revamp

God loves us that much.  When our arms are outstretched to him in submission, there He is – smiling down at us and ready to wrap us up in His arms.  Do you lift your hands in worship?  Do you sometimes miss your child wanting to reach out for you?  I’m sure there are times He does as well.

Reconnect

There are some things we should never “grow to old for”.  Re-experience the feeling.  Stand in a room with your eyes closed and your hands at your side.  Have someone hold your arms against your side and try your best to raise your arms away from your body while they prevent you from doing so.  Then, after about a minute or so of this – have your friend stop trying to hold you back and completely relax you arms.  Concentrate on the experience of having your arms raise on their own.  Does it feel new?  Gestures such as raising our hands in worship should be equally as submissive.

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts as you share them on the blog.  Please log in to the discussions at www.gotworship.net and leave your comment.

In Christ,

Jason Whitehorn, Founder of www.gotworship.net

____________________________________________________________________________________

Note:  This series is based on the book Pure Praise by Dwayne Moore.  We highly encourage you get this book to aid you in your ministry.  More details on the book can be obtained from the author’s website here

Pure Praise Week Two – Day 2 :  “Bring Worship – or Stay Home”

Rewind

There is a message in Amos – a deep message…a message we need to heed and heed often.  Often times, though…we don’t.  We chose to look at the humanity of God and not a God that will call us out on the carpet in a heartbeat for wrongdoing.  The reality is there.

^21-24“I can’t stand your religious meetings.
I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.
I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

Revamp

Each time before I lead a worship team and we go out on the stage – I lead a prayer that will always include a statement reminding us that what we are about to do is not about us…it is not about our own egos, not about our abilities…but everything about worshiping God.  I do that not because I have problematic worship team members…but because I often need the reminder.  Between practices and new songs and uncertainties over how well a song will be received by our congregation, it is easy to get wrapped up in believing that the worship we offer is somehow about us or the technique.  It isn’t…and it should never be.

Reconnect

Take a moment to pray that your worship will always be humble and a direct offering to a God who is an audience of one.

If you get a minute, be sure and read my article on “Playing to Impress” which deals with this very subject.

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts as you share them on the blog.  Please log in to the discussions at www.gotworship.net and leave your comment.

In Christ,

Jason Whitehorn, Founder of www.gotworship.net

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Note:  This series is based on the book Pure Praise by Dwayne Moore.  We highly encourage you get this book to aid you in your ministry.  More details on the book can be obtained from the author’s website here

Pure Praise Week Two – Day 1 :  “When Does Worship Stop?”

Rewind

On a recent Sunday following Christmas, I ended our worship with “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”.  There were many who were wondering “why a Christmas song?” when Christmas had already passed by.  It would have been just as easy for me to have explained that both of our local campuses were doing the same songs and ended it at that – but I took the time to explain the song based on the liturgical church to our congregation.

You see, in the liturgical church, Christmas did not end once December 25^th was over…it began.  The Christmas holiday continued in celebration for ten days after the celebration of the birth of Christ and, as I explained to the congregation … “the angels are still celebrating to this day.”

We find an amazing account of worship in Revelation 4.  It is an account of a worship service that I wish I could see firsthand.  I gather, however, from Revelation 4:8 that I will get that chance.

“ ⁸And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” “

Notice again that they never stopped praising!

Revamp

From time to time, don’t we run into the trap of trying to put too many mechanics into worship?  No, I am not referring to packing up the Christmas songs just as quick as the Santa décor goes into the attic – but don’t we allow other distractions to hinder worship?  Have you ever sensed the Spirit moving you to reprise a chorus of a worship song only to catch the silhouette of the pastor making his way to the stage and think “I’m cutting into his sermon time if I do…so I’d better not.”  Are you locked into the same order of worship that you’ve been doing for the past few years and scared that you’ll offend someone by changing it?  My challenge to you is this :  the next time you are tempted to turn off the worship because of an outside interference, recall Jesus words in Luke 19.  The disciples were praising Jesus to the top of their lungs – and the Pharisees thought it was hardly the time or the place.  In essence, the Pharisees ordered Jesus to make the disciples behave.  Jesus didn’t take a moment of hesitation before he explained exactly what happens when mechanics limit worship.

But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

The choice is ours.  We can choose to praise – or the praise will be done for us.  Praise is inevitable.

Reconnect

Can you recall a time in worship when the Spirit led and you followed?  What happened?  What was the response?  We’d love to hear your stories!

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts as you share them on the blog.  Please log in to the discussions at www.gotworship.net and leave your comment.

In Christ,

Jason Whitehorn, Founder of www.gotworship.net

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Note:  This series is based on the book Pure Praise by Dwayne Moore.  We highly encourage you get this book to aid you in your ministry.  More details on the book can be obtained from the author’s website here