Worship

Here's a powerful post written by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church regarding worship. It really reminded me of a word I shared last year: http://4worship.blogspot.com/2009/07/worship-unrestricted.html except on a much deeper level. His insightfulness regarding what worship truly is, is powerful. Here is the link:

Bring it to Life

My encouragement for you today comes from a simple yet profound statement made regarding the advent of Jesus' time here on earth as recorded in John 1. 'And the word became flesh and dwelt among us...' (v.14). This statement signifies much more than just a quick glossing over the fact that God sent His son to earth. It's a statement, due to it's depth, that requires us to look at what was done by God and then what we must do in light of that. The fact is that we are called to be the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) and today, the word must still become flesh and dwell among us.

When Jesus redeems us by His blood, we become restored children of God according to His will, meaning that we now become not only partakers of His divine favor and grace, but also ambassadors who represent His character to the world (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In a very real sense, Jesus not only came as the messiah, but also as the forerunner for us in allowing God's word to be realized in our lives and in the lives of those around us. When Jesus was manifested in the flesh, the reality was that all of who He was in God as 'the Word' became a reality that we could tangibly witness and interact with. I would dare say that we are called to represent Him in the same way, allowing the word to become a reality in us that people can witness and interact with, thus being drawn to the Father. Remember that prior to His ascension, Jesus prayed for those who would believe in Him because of our [although spoken to the original disciples this statement is directed to all disciples] word. He was literally installing us as those who would do what He did, not as messiahs in our own right, but as His representatives. So the responsibility rests on us to allow God's word, written and spoken, to become a reality in us as we submit to it. As we do this, God will be glorified in us and His Kingdom will continue to advance because it won't be about us, but about Him. Obstacles, won't be seen as hindrances, but stepping stones to greater places He's called us to. Temptations won't be snares for us, but opportunities to show the power of the Word and the Spirit. Darkness will be dispelled and light will prevail as we continue in His word as true disciples (John 8:31-32) who are changing and becoming what He wills.

Ephesians 2:10 says that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. So let's allow the word to become flesh in our lives and in turn see God's greatness displayed. Remember today, and everyday, to receive the word and allow the Holy Spirit to bring it to life in you.

Remember the Little Things

In light of last week's post, I'd like to refer you to a post I wrote in September 2010 entitled 'The Little Things'. I believe it definitely expresses a key component in fulfilling what God has called each of us to do.

Here's the link: http://4worship.blogspot.com/2010/09/little-things.html

Enjoy!

It's Time to Rest

Amidst the business of life, there is always a deeper call. One that most of us recognize to some degree, but often put aside not realizing the full importance thereof. It's the call to deeper things in the Father. And more often than not, those deeper things are only attained through laying aside our works to take up His. Many times when we look at this topic we only go as far as the weekly sabbath which God has provided as a time of rest, reflection and recharging to continue walking in all that He has for us. I would like to take it a step further today and talk about the sabbath rest in our lives that comes when we stop pursuing those things that we're not called to, and start moving full steam ahead in the things that we are called to.

Upon salvation, we enter a new kingdom: the Kingdom of God. In so doing, we have changed affiliation, citizenship, teams, families, and any other analogy that you could come up with to represent this revolutionary change. It's obvious to us that once we're saved we now are called to be children of God, but in every house the kids have different personalities, giftings and callings. The question today is what is yours? Are you walking in the calling the Father has for you and living each day toward that, or are you simply living life with the hope of Jesus' return because you're not sure what you should do other than pray, read your Bible, go to church and not sin? Understand, there are basic tenets of faith that we're all called to, but what is it that He is calling you to do specifically? Leave the door open for Holy Spirit to direct you, as the word says, 'into all truth' (John 16:13). With this posture, you'll be able to proceed knowing that each day when you lay your head on the pillow, you've done the things that He's purposed for you to do, and fulfilled another day of your calling. Whether it be simple or more vast than you can imagine right now, tune in to God's station to hear His message for you. Take the time to turn everything else off that would be a distraction so that what He says can ring loud and clear.

The bottom line, let's focus ourselves on being fruitful in our calling this year and not just being busy about life. Only you will know where and what He is calling you to do so keep your spiritual eyes and ears open so you're ready for the message. He loves us and has so much for us, but business and blurred vision can be major detractors from these things. Let's only be busy about the things He has for us to do. Let us realize the power of His word and Spirit and the rest that is to be received in His presence by ceasing from our works (what we want) and taking up His works (what He wants) - (Hebrews 4; esp. v.9-12).

So today, seek to know His purpose for this season of your life if you already haven't. Put down your works and take up His. Fulfill your calling and not what you think are obligations. Allow any blurred vision to become clear and remember, it's time to rest in Him.