Proof of a Worshipper

I learned a long time ago, when I set out on this journey learning to worship the Lord with everything in me, that you cannot worship with only a part of you. It is impossible. Rather, worship must be wholehearted, radical, extravagant, with everything in you - matching the glory of the One you worship.

We sometimes have the idea that worship is contingent on whether or not all the conditions I need to worship God are met. But the Lord asks us, "Will you worship Me (or lead others to worship Me) when. . . "

1. When other worship leaders seem to sideline or reject you, intimidate you, your age, your style, or your calling? --even if they try to keep you from your destiny, will you still worship Me?
2. When the congregation refuses to worship because the style seems strange to them (King David taught Israel a new style of worship), or when the Pastor and leaders seem to snub you? Will you be offended and then have it affect your ability to worship Me from a pure heart to bring people into God's presence? Will you still worship Me?
3. When nothing in the venue is right, it is nothing like you expected, or, you don't expect a reward, honor, or remuneration? Will you still worship Me?
4. When there is no audience, except Me?
5. When all the conditions are wrong (i.e., song display, audio not working, no microphones or monitors, etc.), will you still worship Me?
6. When you have no ministry engagements lined up, no congregation in which to worship, no ministry to speak of. . .will you minister to Me when you are all alone, with great delight, just to bring pleasure to Me?
7. When you are distraught with life (family, health, financial, marriage, etc.)? Will you still worship Me?
8. When you are a failure (or feel like one)? --a spiritual failure? --or feel like a "has-been". . .Will you still worship me?
9. When your emotions are screaming "You are not accepted here!"? --or you are overcome with personal shame? --or, you feel "God wants others near, but not me!" Will you still worship Me?
10. When your body is wracked with pain and disease, and there seems to be no hope of recovery? Will praise arise to worship Me?

Determine that nothing - and no one - will keep you from giving worthy worship unto the Lord. I tell my soul often, I will worship You Jesus with everything within me, at all times, in all seasons. I have come to prefer my audience of One.

May you be inspired as you listen to this song (and worship God) from Hillsongs United in Australia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSCE8uLuTJY

When Fear is Welcome

(Photo: Ted Larson, "Digital Art by Ted Larson" - visit his website: http://is.gd/1lMFj )

Fear in Bible context is a confusing subject. In one place we are warned against it, in another we are enjoined to embrace it. For example: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10). We are to embrace that fear. However, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7) is the fear we must shun, but how, and what is the difference?

"Pahdah” (pakh-dah), the Hebrew word from Jeremiah 2:19 is in a form that is single usage, i.e., seen only once in all of Scripture.

“Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me.”

There it is translated “awe,” but, the word awe has lost its meaning in our modern world. Just ask a teenager: “Totally awesome!” has become a common response to ordinary life. The modern day usage of the root word of "awe" will at first lend confusion, but once explored, it brings clarity. Pahdan (pakh-dan), ending in “n” making it a noun in Modern Hebrew, is translated “a coward,” i.e., scared of pretty much everything. Other Scriptures that use the root of the word translate is as “fear.” It differs from “ya’re” used in many other biblical passages as the “fear of God.”

Messages on the fear of God are almost nonexistent in today's American church. And if such a sermon should be preached, the term “fear” is translated with care so as not to make anyone uncomfortable. The term has been so watered down as to cease to convict anyone of sin, or lead to repentance, or to suggest that we make things right with people we have wronged. Reverence and honor have been the chosen options in the list of concordance choices; however, there are other options.

If we want nearness to God, we must consider the various Scriptural terms for “fear.” How about this one: to make afraid; to terrify. I don’t think the prophet Daniel was thinking of a polite, refined, respectable reverence of the Lord when he fell face down as dead in front of the heavenly messenger in chapter 10:

“I had no strength left. My face turned deathly pale and I was helpless” (vs.8).

Paul had a similar response when blinded on the Damascus road and seeing Jesus. What about Ezekiel three times:

“…When I saw it [the vision of God in His glory], I fell on my face…” (Ezekiel 1: 28).

“…I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days…” (Ezekiel 3:15).

“So I arose and went out into the plain, and behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, like the glory which I saw by the River Chebar; and I fell on my face” (Ezekiel 3:23).

“…and I fell on my face” (Ezekiel 43:3).

I have made a list of over 20 other such instances in Scripture.The good news about pahdah is that this kind of the fear of God refines, purifies, and replaces all other fears with itself.

How it is that one fear can make you fearless? The truth of the matter is: Fear the Lord, and you will fear none other! Your choice of words will determine the degree of your fearlessness of all other people, things, or circumstances.

--Ron Cantrell

Beautiful Praise

We have learned that sounds travels. . .it never disappears, in fact. It goes out into space and then who knows where it goes? Considering music, this is particularly interesting to me. The book of Job gives a hint as to the sounds of created heavenly bodies, described below as God questions him about creation:

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4-7)

The response of heaven to God's creation was song! I love that. Then I ran across this article that suggests more music in the heavens.

Sun's Atmosphere Makes Heavenly Music
By Jeanna Bryner
Staff Writer for Space.com

Astronomers have recorded heavenly music bellowed out by the sun’s atmosphere. Snagging orchestra seats for this solar symphony would be fruitless, however, as the frequency of the sound waves is below the human hearing threshold. While humans can make out sounds between 20 and 20,000 hertz, the solar sound waves are on the order of milli-hertz — a thousandth of a hertz.

The study, presented this week at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Lancashire, England, reveals that the looping magnetic fields along the sun’s outer regions, called the corona, carry magnetic sound waves in a similar manner to musical instruments such as guitars or pipe organs.

Robertus von Fay-Siebenburgen of the Solar Physics and Space Plasma Research Center at the University of Sheffield and his colleagues combined information gleaned from sun-orbiting satellites with theoretical models of solar processes, such as coronal mass ejections. They found that explosive events at the sun’s surface appear to trigger acoustic waves that bounce back and forth between both ends of the loops, a phenomenon known as a standing wave.

“These magnetic loops are analogous to a simple guitar string,” von Fay-Siebenburgen explained. “If you pluck a guitar string, you will hear the music.”

In the cosmic equivalent of a guitar pick, so-called microflares at the base of loops could be plucking the magnetic loops and setting the sound waves in motion, the researchers speculate. While solar flares are the largest explosions in the solar system, microflares are a million times smaller but much more frequent; both phenomena are now thought to funnel heat into the sun’s outer atmosphere.

The acoustic waves can be extremely energetic, reaching heights of tens of miles, and can travel at rapid speeds of 45,000 to 90,000 miles per hour. “These [explosions] release energy equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs,” von Fay-Siebenburgen said.

“These energies are plucking these magnetic strings or standing pipes, which set up standing waves—exactly the same waves you see on a guitar string,” von Fay-Siebenburgen told SPACE.com. The “sound booms” decay to silence in less than an hour, dissipating in the hot solar corona.

Article found: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18206920/

Praise in the Heavenlies
Our praise to God has a powerful effect in the heavenlies. It changes the atmosphere wherever we are, and it also changes our hearts, though it may not change our circumstances. The effect of praise is doubled when it is lifted to God and offered as a sacrifice in the height of pain and affliction. I would dare say that praise offered to God in such extreme conditions of physical, mental, and emotional pain is the kind that touches the heart of God more often. This must be the prayers of the saints that have gone all the way up to God Himself that he is reserving for the day when they will be released upon the earth:

"Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.” (Revelation 8:3-5)

Songs of Praise Arising
Last night as I was worshiping the Lord, I “saw” my praises join thousands of others who were also before the, offering their song of praise. As we surrounded the Throne of God, it appeared to me to be multi-faceted, as the surface of a diamond, only on a much grander scale. Each worshiper faced the Lord and was immersed in a shaft of light emanating from the facet of the character of God He was revealing to that particular worshiper.

For me, the Lord’s righteous judgments were illuminated and that was the facet of His character I was beholding. The song of my heart reflected was I saw in Him ̶ all righteousness, His perfect judgments.

As we were gathered there, a song in heaven was already in progress. . .”Arise, church, arise!” and I added a underlying melodic tune-- ̶

"Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts, righteous are all His judgments. Holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, righteous are all His judgments.”

No sooner had I finished the repeat of my melody, than I heard another worshiper join with His song, his song on a different tone than mine but harmonic--

"Who is like the Lord? Strong and Mighty. . .There is none greater than our God, our God...”

Immediately following was another, and another, and another, each defining the character of God, in perfect harmony, higher or lower tones of the song, with varying tempos ̶ all in complete sync with the master song. I was caught up in this song and its beauty.

Suddenly I could see this song as each portion of its melodic tunes took shape, winding around and around as if to build a structure of some kind, like a building. It was being directed by someone unseen, an orchestrated piece of unimaginable beauty. I never wanted it to stop!

It is beautiful to consider our praise having such beauty before the Lord and His Throne. May the prayer of your heart today be one of praise worthy of such eternal beauty!

Tell the Lord what He means to you as you join the praises around the throne of God and sing this song by Jason Upton “In Your Presence.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vatfnKrFzyI

The Music of Heaven

As a worshiper and worship leader, I have often thought about the songs of Heaven - what they are like, what is their content, form, style, etc. There have been times in my own worship of the Lord that I have sensed I have joined the worship of Heaven. Those are indeed special times.

I have read a number of books through the years that touched on this theme. It is amazing to consider that during times of church revivals, the music in praise and worship becomes the response of the people to the Spirit of the Lord moving in their midst. Many testimonials from revivals express that the music seemed to be birthed in heaven itself as it inspired the worshipers into a deeper response to the Lord.

A number of years ago I had quite an experience with the Lord where His presence was so near to me, that I felt I was before His Throne for several days. It was a holy time of rededication of my own heart and life to the Lord, and the Spirit of God seemed almost heavy upon me, weighty even. The praise that erupted from the depths of my being was passionate, and at times seemed overwhelming, bursting forth in joyful expression to God. At the same time, I felt as if I was joining in an ongoing season of an eternal worship session that began long long ago and is still ongoing. I had, in fact, joined with the hosts of Heaven. During that period I experienced a revelation of the worship of Heaven and could almost "hear" the music and songs offered to God in His praise. It was as if the praise and prayers from my own heart were orchestrated into heavenly music, matched perfectly with harmonic voices, choreographed in praise dance, and sent heavenward as incense to God.


The sounds of this kind of praise could only come from the largest orchestra and choir imaginable, with scales and harmonies yet unheard here on earth. As I considered and experienced heavenly worship in those days, it took my breath away.

Recently I read the book 90 Minutes in Heaven where the author Don Piper describes his own experience of heaven.



In chapter three, the author shares his experience of the music of heaven:

"A...sound remains, even today, the single, most vivid memory I have of my entire heavenly experience. I call it music, but it differed from anything I had ever heard or ever expect to hear on the earth. The melodies of praise filled the atmosphere. The nonstop intensity and endless variety overwhelmed me.

"The praise was unending, but the most remarkable thing to me was that hundreds of songs were being sung at the same time--all of them worshiping God. As I approached the large, magnificient gate, I heard them from every direction and realized that each voice praised God. I write voice, but it was more than that. Some sounded instrumental, but I wasn't sure--and I wasn't concerned. Praise was everywhere, and all of it was musical, yet comprised of melodies and tones I'd never experienced before...My heart filled with the deepest joy I've ever experienced...Every sound blended, and each voice or instrument enhanced the others.

"As strange as it may seem, I could clearly distinguish each song. It sounded as if each hymn of praise was meant for me to hear as I moved inside the gates.

"Many of the old hymns and choruses I had sung at various times in my life were part of the music--along with hundreds of songs I had never heard before. Hymns of praise, modern-sounding choruses, and ancient chants filled my ears and brought not only a deep peace but the greatest feeling of joy I've ever experienced...None of the hymns were about Jesus' sacrifice or death. I heard no sad songs and instinctively knew that there were no sad songs in heaven. Why would there be? All were praises about Christ's reign as King of Kings and our joyful worship for all he has done for us and how wonderful he is.

"The celestial tunes surpassed any I had ever heard. I couldn't calculate the number of songs--perhaps thousands--offered up simultaneously, and yet there was no chaos, because I had the capcity to hear each one and discern the lyrics and melody.

"I marveled at the glorious music...above everything else, I cherish those sounds...I want to experience everything heaven offers, but most of all, I want to hear those never-ending songs again...the continuous sounds of praise."

As I read the author's description of heavenly music, the revelation the Lord had given me years ago came back with even more clarity. We know that worship is ongoing in heaven, and we on earth do, in fact, join the worshipers of heaven. Someday, I will finally be able to give full expression of praise before God's throne...

I read another book recently called Glimpses of Heaven by Trudy Harris, a hospice nurse.



In her book, the author carefully recounts the stories of her elderly patients as she experienced right along with them--until the time the Lord took them to be with Him. I have heard of those who many times hear the music of Heaven before the time that God takes them. These testimonies, experiences, along with God's Word, fills us with hope and great joy, especially as we presently endure our problems, pain of disease, suffering, sickness and terminal illnesses, financial hardships, relational difficulties. In times like these, we can only imagine from our earthly perspective all that God has planned for us--joyful ecstacies of His loving and safe presence forevermore.

May our hearts be filled with praise and worship this day as we join the hosts of Heaven's music and declare the matchless worth of our God! Let's worship Him..."...day and night, never taking a break: Holy, Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come (Revelation 4:7-8)!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FObjd5wrgZ8

At the Feet of Jesus

Have you ever wondered where you fit it, what your place is? I have, and often I feel out of place. My greatest joy has been the revelation of the Lord of where He has placed me: In His presence at the feet of Jesus in worship and intercession.

For quite sometime now I have been praying that the Lord would show me my place – my position – before His presence. One day as I was praying, the Lord showed me where he has positioned me – at His feet, just as the woman who worshiped him, anointing the feet of Jesus with the costly perfume, her tears, rubbing them with her hair. It is in this place that she had the most intimate position of connecting with Jesus. Even though Jesus may not have turned around to speak to her or even to acknowledge to those present in the room that she was there – He went right on relating to His disciples and teaching those present – the woman laid at his feet, worshiping Him. Jesus may have paused in his teaching and not only acknowledged her, appreciating her kind gesture, but would have made himself available for her to fulfill her desire – to anoint his feet - by perhaps gesturing without words and even sticking his feet out even more pronounced towards her so that she would have full access to His lower limbs.

As I considered this act of worship I remember how I used to rub the feet of my Mother every evening after her long day of work with soothing creams and oils. Sometimes I would offer to rub her neck. Often when I did this she was preoccupied with other busyness and she often was too busy to acknowledge me outloud, with the exception of a nod of appreciation. It didn't matter. My expression was kindness, and a show of appreciation for all her hard work.

Many came to Jesus and fell at his feet. They did it for a variety of reasons: some to beg for healing for themselves or a family member, a woman came to ask Jesus to place her sons on the right and left in His kingdom – clearly so she would have a higher position in heaven too. But very few recorded came just to worship him at his feet and give him thanks in return for his merciful acts of forgiveness and healing – such as this woman who anointed Jesus feet.

I see that though Jesus be surrounded by a myriad in His kingdom, all pressing in to touch Him, vying for His attention, He knows each one personally, intimately. To me it seems like I am just one in a throng of unnamed strangers – unknown to Jesus. In fact, not only does he know each one by name, He planned and created each one for the specific purpose he assigned them. When he passes by (like the song says “Savior, Savior, do not pass me by”), he not only knows me, but gives me that intimate look known only between me and Him. It is not a scan over the crowd, but a long deep look into my eyes of my Lover who chose me to be His Bride for the purpose of intimacy throughout eternity. Let it be Lord.

So though I feel often that Jesus is passing by me surrounded by the throngs, He has given me the position of coming to His feet to worship Him. There, in this place, He will meet me.

As Jesus replied to Martha, speaking of Mary, “She has chosen that good part, and it will not be taken from her.”

Down at Your feet O Lord
Is the most high place
In your presence Lord
I seek your face
I seek You face

There is no higher calling
No greater honor
Than to bow, and worship at Your feet
I’m amazed by Your splendor
Amazed at Your glory
Oh Lord
I live to worship You
Oh Lord
I live to worship You

This song remembers that offering poured out to Jesus at His feet by the woman who loved Jesus so much...Alabaster Jar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig6_qFr4tOo