Recently I got a call from a worship pastor friend who was befuddled and discouraged. He was deeply hurt.  He had received a hand-written anonymous note after worship one Sunday, attacking him and accusing him of being a “performer”.  That term – “performance” was consistently used, over and over to demean and compare his leadership with that of a polished actor, discharging his duties as a professional musician void of genuine heart and motives.  I felt sorry for the writer of the note.  They had become the handmaiden of evil.

Unfortunately, I’ve heard this before. Everyone has an opinion.  We enter worship every week with assumptions and preconceived notions.  We have preferences.  We know what we like and dislike.  When kept in their proper context, they can be beneficial.  Yet when they motivate us towards prejudice and judgement of someone else’s worship, we are in dangerous waters.  Profoundly dangerous with the risk of losing something precious!

King David was finally restoring the Ark of the covenant to it’s rightful place.  With great and profound worship, he moved the Ark to the City of David.  It was indeed the very presence of God.  The scriptures tells us that David “Danced with all his might before the Lord”.  He did so, in what was basically his undergarments or linen ephod typically worn by the levites or priests.  This picture in 2 Samuel 6: 14-23, tells us that in all this grand splendor, David’s wife, Michal, “looked down from the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart“.

         With great and profound worship, he moved the Ark to the City of David.

Later, when David comes home to “bless his household” he is met by Michal who satirically greets him: “How the King of Israel honored himself today!”  She said. “He exposed himself today in the sight of the slave girls of his subjects like a vulgar person would expose himself”.  Michal had looked down on David from her lofty perch and proclaimed his worship vulgar.  She had passed judgement.  In her view, he was offensively performing before the slave girls.  David’s response: “I was dancing before the Lord…I will celebrate before the Lord…I will humble myself even more and humiliate myself”.  His motivation was the joy of the Lord.  And…it was pleasing to God!

As David’s worship was pleasing to the Lord, so Michal’s words were repugnant and pronounced the chill of her heart.  Verse 23 simply says: “and Michal had no child to the day of her death”.  Most Biblical scholars believe this was because of God’s removal of His Spirit and blessings from her life.  Her name was removed from the list of wives and she is not mentioned again.  Ichabod – the glory has departed!

      As David’s worship was pleasing to the Lord, so Michal’s words pronounced the chill of her heart.

As my friend is reading this note to me, I feel the chill and venom of Michal’s prejudice and judgement: “you are a performer”.  Yet little does she know, he has prayed, sought after God, planned, rehearsed and laid his life before his King!  He has stood before the people to point them towards Jesus.  Yet from this modern-day Michal’s lofty perch, she sees a musician who is too polished, too rehearsed and too slick.  Maybe his hair is too trendy and his clothes too progressive.  Maybe his voice is too pure and his musicianship too finely tuned.  I wonder, should he sing pitchy or mess up some lyrics to show his humanity?  Is he too tightly wound?  Too happy?  Too exuberant to be believable?  Does he not pass the litmus test of your own superior worship?  I wonder what the view is from Michal’s elevated & spiritually enlightened perch?

I do know from God’s view, He loves the heartfelt worship of His children.  The Worship Pastor, team, band/orchestra, choir, leaders who spend hours and hours rehearsing their craft do it out of love and devotion.  They wrestle with the tension of good motives.  They come early and leave late.  They are artist, servants, passionate and devoted.  Just like all of us, they are broken people in need of grace.  They are a gift to the church!

     I do know from God’s view, He loves the heartfelt worship of His children.

Remember these 7 things – lest you find yourself like Michal – devoid of God’s presence:

1. Never, ever, judge someone else’s worship!  God is the judge, not you!
2. Never, ever again accuse your worship leaders of performing.  This arrogance says more about you, your motives and heart!
3. Never demean your artist because they’re too good at what they do.  This should really go without saying…
4. Never, ever assume your preferences, assumptions and preconceived notions are shared or even valid!  Leave them at the door.
5. Love your worship leaders.  Pray for them.  Support them even when you don’t “get” them!
6. Always remember: our worship is motivated by God, for God, to God!
7. It’s not about you!  Never has been…never will be!

Michal called vulgar that which was beautiful to God!  In so doing she made a huge and serious misjudgement.  She became the thief to rob David’s joy.  In the end, God took it seriously enough to remove His presence, retrieve His blessing and leave her barren.  She became irrelevant.  Don’t make the same mistake.  Look into the mirror and allow God to prepare your heart to explode with the same joy, praise, worship and celebration as did David’s.

Recently I watched a video of a man held captive for years, set free and returned home.  When he got off the plane he fell to his knees, kissed the ground and raised his hands in worship…thanking God for his freedom, his family, his home.  No doubt, it was a perfect picture of a heart bursting with gratitude.  He knew he’d been given something he didn’t deserve and all the simple pleasures of life were now magnified.  What once was lost, was now found.

This got me thinking!  I wondered if I was as thankful for the simple things as this man.  I wondered if I had become entitled, spoiled & privileged.  Maybe grace had become expected, as if I were owed this life of mine.  Maybe I was charging into every day with the demand: “give me a straight and easy path”, “give me luxuries not known by most” and “give me what you owe me”.  Not that I would ever say that or outright embrace this notion, but instead maybe my heart had drifted?  Maybe…

As I watched this man again…it reminded me of my past.  It reminded me of times when I felt the same way.  It reminded me of my youth, when every day was an adventure.  It reminded me of laughter in rain, my gorgeous bride walking the isle towards her awaiting bridegroom.  It reminded me of my newborn sons’ cry and the fresh smile of a little girl always meant for me!  It stirred something in me.  It stirred that sense so vital to knowing the depth of His grace.  It brought an ember of thankfulness!

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.”   2 Corinthians 9:11-12

The doorway to knowing God is absolute.  There is no substitute and no way around it.  Without a heart of gratitude, we can never know much less experience God.  A thankful heart is a heart full.  A person of gratitude is a person who has the very touch of God on them.

Here are the four marks or attributes of those who’ve discovered the journey of thanksgiving:

• A grateful heart is a generous heart

When you understand the nature of grace given to you, you tend to measure out the same grace on others.  You tend to be generous with your money, your time, your praises, your prayers.  You desire to give and not always take!

• A grateful heart is a forgiving heart

Wounds not cared for become bitterness which then breeds cynicism and sarcasm. Cynicism and sarcasm are markers of a heart grown cold or a grudge held far too long.  A heart thankful will be a heart that embraces it’s own failures and tends to forgive the same in others.  Thankfulness is the antidote to bitterness and fosters deep compassion and charity.

• A grateful heart is a humble heart

It has been said: “in the south our greatest sense of pride is found in our deep humility”.  We often misread true humility.  We often misread true pride.  Gratitude will unmask our deepest intentions and help us see with clarity.  A heart that seeks God cannot entertain both pride and thanksgiving.

• A grateful heart is a worshiping heart

A few years ago I was given a small new testament Bible by Lisa’s grandfather.  As a marine, he carried it in his pocket during the battle of Guadalcanal in the Pacific during World War 2.  I was overcome with emotion.  I knew the depths of this gift and the meaning behind it.  The scriptures abound with the pathway to entering God’s presence: through the gates of thanksgiving.  Gratitude reminds of what we’ve been given and the depth of meaning behind it.  Only then can we truly worship!

 

That video of a man set free is our story!  The kiss of sun on our face, the joy & laughter of a house full or the book of memories of days gone by are a sign of God’s incredible gifts.  When we really stop and think about it, ponder His hand in our lives; it doesn’t take long to see we are nothing but ragamuffins and orphans afforded something that was never ours.  How could we possibly complain about another thing…ever!

Be grateful!  Seize this day before it’s gone.  Make the call, hug the neck, forgive and release the hurt.  Choose to be like the man in the video; set free and overcome with thanksgiving.  Then head into Thanksgiving Day and beyond with a heart warmed by the very touch of God.

These past two weeks have been interesting at our house.  As I have shared with you, the sudden onslaught of a kidney stone during the middle of the night brought great wailing and gnashing of teeth.  For those who’ve never had one, there are only rumors of the divine sanction this offers to those who’ve been chosen.  Let me assure you, it is not a path for the faint of heart!

Not knowing what was wrong, I just prayed for 2 things: the Lord’s quick return or a powerful trance inducing potion to make it go away!  Seeing that Jesus chose to tarry (for the moment), the second option worked just fine.

Sitting later that day at the urologist, I discovered that this “stone” was an itsy-bitsy, scanty, minuscule, petite, puny stone halfway on it’s journey towards freedom.  How in all of God’s creation could this tiny thing cause me so much agony and torment?  Folks, I do not attempt to bamboozle you when I say – it completely ceased all my normal operations for the sole purpose of survival.  If you’ve had one – at this point your hands are lifted high as you shout “AMEN”!

“How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire”!  How can a puny small tiny spark cause a blaze that consumes an entire beautiful forest?  But it does!  That is exactly what James says.  But he’s not talking about a kidney stone.  Instead, something small which can also inflict great sickness:

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.  For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,  but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?  Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. James 3:5-12

James is telling us the dangers of the tongue when used for evil.  But notice, the fire is set by hell and there is no human who can tame the tongue.  Just like a kidney stone – its’ on fire and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.  Instead, I must rely on my Doctor to break it up and remove.  So – only the Holy Spirit can tame our tongue and use it to bring glory to God and build up the body.

A couple of thoughts here:

• Consider this Biblical truth through a spotlight that shines only on you!  God’s instruction is first and foremost for you.  Or me!  In other words, when I read this, I should NEVER see another person and think “I wish they would practice that” or “I wish someone would tell them that” or “I wish they’d practice what they preach”.  God’s instruction is meant to shine a light on me.  Not him, her or they!  Me Lord…show me!  David understood this as he penned Psalm 139:

                    Search me, O God, and know my heart!
                    Try me and know my thoughts!
                         And see if there be any grievous way in me,
                    and lead me in the way everlasting!

•         Always use the wisdom and instruction of God’s Word as an invitation to the Holy Spirit to show you grievances.  As it applies to the tongue – you cannot control it, only He can.  That means you have already allowed it to defile your offerings and bring disunity to your family, your home, your church.  Trust me – just like a kidney stone, it has set a blaze to your world and only the Holy Spirit can show you this.

• My kidney stone is not hurting you!  Aren’t you glad?  Some of you have winced, patted me on the back, offered your prayers.  Some of you have just chuckled and offered a “good luck” while wondering what kind of good stories are forthcoming.  But understand this – your tongue will set a blaze, but it’s first victim is YOU!  But unlike a kidney stone, it is a slow moving cancer that consumes you, changes you, rescinds the power of God in your life, and obliterates your testimony.  It will, with time, reduce you to a bitter, angry and caustic soul.  Now as a reminder – I hope you don’t see another face than your own.  That would be missing the whole point!

• Own it!  My kidney stone is not yours to bear.  It is mine, all mine.  Every ounce of it was created by me.  Something I drank, ate and consumed over time has transformed into a painful and unwanted journey.  But I can not, in any way, blame my kidney stone on Lisa…or you! (while it might be fun trying – I must admit).  I made it, I must deal with it.  The same is true with our tongue and our actions.  Don’t blame that which is a creation of your own on others.  Although the blame game is rampant in our culture, God’s Word does not give you an option.  Don’t buy the deceit of my pain is your fault, his fault, their fault.  This blaze that has set afire to my world was started by him/them.  Nope!  It’s your fire – own up to it and allow the Holy Spirit to show you how to squelch the pain of it’s flames.

The realty is this – we all share the burden!  Built into everyone of us is this tool (the tongue) which affords great praise and adoration to the Father and our brothers/sisters.  But it’s also a time bomb, just ticking and waiting to inflict astonishing misery.  In reality – we all need Jesus!  My Doctor is the only one who can help me deal with this stone (my stone – whom I’ve fondly named “Rocky”)! So it is also true: only Jesus can bring healing to the freshly burned embers of our lives.  So – I offer this corporate prayer:

“Father – your grace is always sufficient for me.  You offer your mercy and kindness to me when I am so undeserving and wayward.  Search me Lord!  Show me Lord!  Forgive me Lord for any way that grieves you or impedes your power and plan for my life.  Fill me up with your Spirit and send me to live a life that shines brightly in a dark world.  Help me to walk in unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Allow me to walk in peace and use my tongue for your glory alone!  In Jesus name – amen!”

So let it be!  I join you in this prayer and walk with you in asking God to do the uncomprehensible and miraculous for His glory!

Thou Oh Lord are a shield for me!  The GLORY and breaker of my stone!  Wait…it’s The GLORY and the tamer of my tongue.  NO – actually I believe it’s: The Glory and the Lifter of my head!

It was a covenant that would soon be updated! For it would, in just a brief moment, be eclipsed by the a bold pronouncement from Christ Himself: “This is MY BODY…this is MY BLOOD”! The new covenant was now replacing the old.

Sin once forgiven for a moment, now forgotten for eternity through the Lamb – our sin debt paid in full.
Now the Angel of Death would pass over us. The red crimson blood was placed on our forehead, upon our heart and the sting of death banished from all who find shelter in the shadow of His mercy.
Next week Passover begins. Our Jewish brothers and sisters will gather to reflect on the faithfulness of Yaweh to deliver His people.

For it is through the line of David that we as gentiles find our salvation.
And because of this they’ve become the most persecuted people since the call of Abraham and the birth of a new nation. Today I can’t help but be drawn to the plight of Israel. I sense God’s longing to bring them home to Himself. I sense time is fleeting and we must be praying for the salvation of Israel.
Have you ever noticed how so much political unrest and deep hatred centers around Israel?  She is a democratic nation surrounded by enemies on all sides.  Yet, even so, she continues to thrive and prosper.  We would be wise to remember God’s covenant with His people, for it has no expiration date.  We are commanded to pray for Israel (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. – Psalm 122:6).

The symbolism is profound and has deep meaning. Don’t miss it! God leaves nothing to chance.
Jesus was the Messiah who fulfilled every prophecy and now stands as the Lion of Judah!
He has come to save His covenant people and we have the enormous benefit of being the orphaned child, adopted, upgraded and placed at the same table with His chosen.
Thank you Jesus!

Recently I’ve been watching the mega snow catastrophe in Atlanta.  No one saw it coming.  No one that is, except the National Weather Service, which issued the proper warning in plenty of time to avert a crisis.  But instead, the city went about it’s normal functions choosing to ignore the impossible was not only possible but probable.  In the end, the prophets of weather were ignored; their voice too familiar and the sounding alarm meaningless.  Until it was too late!  Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers^, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes”.

It’s important to understand, prophets of the Old Testament who summoned the Nation of Israel back to God are alive and well in today’s church; calling the church back to Biblical obedience and Spirit filled living.  They sound the warning…the alarm of coming persecution.  God will deal with dissension and disunity in His Church.  And trust me, it won’t be pretty!

It would be easy to think the prophets would call out this sinful and lost culture.  We assume the darkest and most depraved world in which will live would be the target.  We would be very wrong.  The Spirit has given the prophets for the church…for that is where the darkest most vile, reprehensible and sickening sin festers.  Clothed, all the while, in garments of light.  It is by far the most dangerous and destructive.  And be warned…it will be the target of God’s justice and wrath.

Throughout the scriptures, God purges and cleans His people through the vehicle of persecution.  He reveals His sheep and scatters the goats.  It’s Jesus who prunes and cast aside all that does not bear fruit:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”  John 15

Today’s western church is amassed in self spiritual pride and heresy.  She is garnished with hypocrites who think nothing of chasing fame, wealth, and sexual immorality.  But even more dangerous, are those who clothe themselves as spiritual giants.  Hidden is their true nature of condemnation and divisiveness.  They bring disunity to the Body and manufacture gossip with great talent and amazing deceit.  They cloak their poisonous gossip in spiritual banter with appearances of wisdom and concern. They turn on their leaders and Pastors with pious spirituality; all the while in direct and resolute defiance of God’s Word. They are tried and true Pharisees.  They are vipers!  Paul warns us in Titus 3:

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.  As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”

There is a storm gathering.  But this storm is heaven sent for the purging and cleansing of His Church.  It’s time we stop discarding the warning of His prophets and begin to return to full obedience of His Word and wrap ourselves in the joy and love of His Spirit.  The dead branches will be cut and discarded.  And when it happens rejoice!  For new growth will follow.

Stay tuned for the next posting as we explore the signs and symptoms of the pharisees among us.  We’ll explore 5 Biblical signs of a pharisee within the church and the prophets who call their bluff.

It’s easy for us to enter the Christmas season and go on autopilot.  The holiday season is so driven by traditions (which are not a bad thing)…and typically the busy gets busier and the opportunity to worship is lost.  The focus of Emmanuel becomes us.  He is here for us…to walk with us…to give us hope.  Us, me and I.  He can quickly become our means to an end for our comfort and needs.  Don’t get me wrong, all of this is true…but we must resist the temptation to become the center of Christmas.  Emmanuel – GOD with US.  <

O Come O Come Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel.  That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appears.  Rejoice, Rejoice Emmanuel.  Shall come to thee O Israel

Allow me to offer a higher view.  The very nature of God is seen in this amazing transcendent act of love.  The unseen has now become visible and we can focus on what had been so hard to see and understand.  All the while knowing – we’ll never really see and understand fully while we inhabit these jars of clay.  For me, the thing that really captures the nature of Emmanuel are two magnificent moments in the scripture that absolutely blow me away…so much so it brings me to my knees every time I dare read them:

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.  Hebrews 1

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2

He is The Radiant Glory of God!  The Word tells us that heaven will have no light – for the light will be the Lamb of Glory!  Somehow we just dim in comparison.  This Christmas, let’s worship Him for who He is…not for what we get out of it!  Then the priorities will right themselves and you’ll find a dose of worship that really gives you hope!
Come and Worship Christ the newborn KING!

Over the past year I’ve had a growing chorus of conversations with worship pastors, senior pastors, church staff and lay leaders regarding a troubling trend in our houses of worship.  It has many leaders scratching their heads and wondering how to communicate truth which is unwanted and hard to hear.  It’s not a trend relegated to one church or gathering, but seems to be consistent – especially within the notorious Bible-Belt!  It’s born out of apathy and idolatry.  It’s fed by leaders who’ve fostered it into epidemic status by withholding God’s call to obedience before sacrifice.  Those Pastors who’ve courageously addressed it have found a kinship and brotherhood with the prophets of the Old Testament: despised outcast, the black sheep of the church.

Nevertheless, this Sunday our houses of worship will have smatterings of stoic, gloomy, detached “followers of Jesus” who with their arms crossed offer little to no sign of life.  They will sit & stand, write their checks to God, and keep their eyes focused forward.  Their Bibles with them although there is no recognition of it’s power to transform.  They’ll take inventory of things for which they disapprove bearing up arms for later discussion with those who share their misery.  For some with the spiritual gift of discernment and prophecy, it smells of death and deceit.

We’ve redefined worship and invested in a false image of church, and now worship no longer meets our desires, wishes and preferences. 

If you pass among them and are not one of them – the chill of bitterness and divisiveness is alarming.  They are quick to take a pompous stand on principle and tell the rest of the world why it’s bound for a fiery hell.  They will boycott, stomp and shout righteous indignation while devoid of any fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:16-25).  They’ve forgotten we’re all broken and destitute were it not for the grace of God.

Is it any wonder that our churches are dying while our society has rejected this definition of Christianity?  Is this really what God had in mind for the Church?

How far and how deep have we fallen from truth.  When did we ever fall for the lie that this gathering of ragamuffins and sojourners is a celebration of personal desires and wants!  When did we lose our song?  How did we lose our way?

Church leadership will debate the Sunday worship experience – attempting to balance familiar hymns against the new and innovative.  Enormous amounts of time will be spent in extra Biblical exploits with a desire to entice these people to participate.  Blogs will be written arguing the need for more familiarity while others for more innovation to ensure the future.  All the while we play to fleshly desires and feed the baby more sweetened milk…hoping to make him fat and happy.

Should we not look deeper and harder through the lens of indisputable truth?  And the hard truth is this: our hearts are cold.  The Sunday morning worship experience in our gatherings we call “church” has little do with content, style or personalities.  Sadly, the dilemma lies much further and deeper into the spiritual fiber of the western church congregation.

You cannot revive the dead when they don’t know their dead.  And you certainly can’t do it in 1 hour plus on Sunday mornings.

I’ve traveled to parts of the world where redemption can’t be bought and life in Christ is fresh and new.  I’ve stood with believers who have very little other than Jesus.  The glint in the eyes and the passion in the soul will not be quenched.  Before breaking out in song there is no debate on style – only a song.  New, familiar, old or contemporary is not the issue.  Jesus is the issue – salvation the remarkable – grace the unthinkable and worship the inevitable.

Without exception – the heart passionate to know, love and pursue Jesus WILL WORSHIP!

The weekend gathering has less to do with us and so much more to do with a remarkable community of worship based on grace.

A congregation who enters with a song invested in hours of private worship will not be silenced…not by content, style, personalities or preferences.

But let’s take it one step further:

True worship has an obvious prelude and a remarkable lingering. 

The prelude is a song within that is burrowing it’s way out.  It’s a song of joy, praise, love, and gratitude; or authentic brokenness, surrender and repentance.  The lingering is after effect – the continuation empowered by the Spirit; deeper than musical appreciation or emotional high.  It’s found in self sacrificial service surrounded by gentleness, self control, peace, patience, love, kindness and goodness.  Without these Biblical preludes & lingerings…you have a forged and artificial worship.

So – what to do?  That is the question posed so often and I believe finds it’s answer not in complexity but simplicity.  Let me suggest the following – based on God’s Word:

1. Authority – God’s Word is the first and final authority.  Don’t allow any other cultural persuasion to influence you or those you lead!  Teach it unashamedly and allow it’s power to do the work of obedience.
2. Lead – Speak truth on the authority of God’s Word with courage.  You will face adversity from the cultural pharisees within your church.  Stand strong and go in the power of His Spirit…with wisdom and correction.
3. Pray – The power of prayer is undeniable yet untapped!  His house is to be a house of prayer first and foremost.
4. Model – Be a picture of Biblical expressive worship and lead others to embrace it!
5. Repent – cultivate an atmosphere of redemption and forgiveness.  Allow grace to remind the Church she is a broken but beloved bride.
6. Prelude – teach and encourage private worship as a prelude to church gatherings.  Bring your worship with you!
7. Lingerings – confirm the authenticity of worship by testing your fruits and the fruits of those who follow you.

The symptoms are evident and the prognosis is certain death.  The superficial conversations of preference and style based on personalities are killing our churches and silencing our voice of influence.  We no longer look nor behave as God’s beloved bride.

Until we see it as God sees it and call it what it is…our churches will continue to be nothing more than grand palaces of self worship and self gratification.  And the transformational power of the gospel will lie dormant in a world that is desperate for the real deal.

Several years ago, while on a trip out west, Lisa and I visited a church well known for their worship.  We went with anticipation of a great experience.

We were impressed by the facilities including the general look and feel of the campus.  The worship center had great lighting and impressive staging.  The overall visual experience was well done, even before the first note was played.  But none of this could distract us from the strange feel in the room.  The people were milling around, subdued and almost lethargic.  No sense of anticipation or expectation that God just might show up and bless His people.

Then…the music started.  Immediately – the place came to life with incredible expressions of praise.  The band was amazing and the atmosphere electric.  Until…they stopped.  And just as suddenly as it had come, it was gone.  Snuffed out, things had returned to an empty manufactured feel.  God taught me a lesson that day I’ll never forget.

As worship leaders – we can never lead people where we ourselves do not go.  And – our private worship will be made public…never the other way around.  If our worship is motivated by the song…then it’s not the worship God seeks.  If we feel the spirit rise within us only when the band gets cranked or the lights begin to burn, then we’ve settled for fools gold and found another god for our idol worship.

While speaking to the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus says the true worshipers will worship in TRUTH & in SPIRIT.  If we are not motivated by His truth (His Word) and filled with His Spirit (Holy Spirit), then we simply don’t understand the kind of worship God seeks.  And that kind of worship is found first and foremost in a quiet and reflective time with God.  Relationships are cultivated one on one…there is no substitute. Spurgeon said this about the matter of a private worship, “Why is it that some are often in the place of worship and yet they are not holy? It is because they neglect their closets. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn but they will not go forth into the field to gather it; the fruit hangs on the tree but they will not pluck it; and the water flows at their feet but they’ll not stoop to drink it.”

As musicians, it’s easy to develop a deep love of the song.  Sometimes we say it’s the truth in the song, but mostly if we were honest, we just love music.  Music is the language we speak and the eternal language that goes to the deepest darkest crevices of our hearts.  But this great gift of song can never compare nor compete with the depths of knowing and loving the truth of God and the filling of His Spirit.  I grow weary of meetings with other worship leaders and hearing over and over about the latest greatest song when a zeal for God and testimony of His power is so evidently missing.  Our passions must be anchored in the truth of God and the power of His presence…then the songs will take on new meaning and power.  Way too often the passion for Him is missing; replaced with the business of doing worship and doing “church”.

So let’s change that.  Let’s make a choice to be committed private worshipers who become powerful public worship leaders.  Let’s speak of the wonders of God first and motivate others to grow in truth.  Let’s journey to that place of deep longing to see a move of God.  Let’s become real!

This weekend, allow a song birthed in a sacred moment with God to be the first from your lips Sunday morning.  Allow it to be born deep within you, motivated by a unquenchable fire to know and follow Jesus…no matter the cost.  Then and only then…when you step up to the mic, put on your guitar, your choir robe – you will sense the filling of His Spirit and the sweet unmistakeable presence of The One you have already come to know so well.

Statistics tell us we’re losing the battle.  The hard truth is this: a generation of teens and twenty-somethings who’ve grown up in the church are now leaving for greener pastures.  And those greener pastures really have more to do with practical atheism and a plurality of thoughts and philosophies related to God, faith and religion.  We’re losing them and losing them in record numbers.

In the meantime, our traditional congregations grow older and plush with a stoic determination for all things comfortable yet irrelevant.  Just today, while attempting to shop with my wife, I found myself in a conversation with an older yet wise couple so deeply troubled at the drab of some churches and the lack of life and youth.

But I have good news…there is hope.  There are churches who have rounded the corner and found ways to engage the culture while holding to Biblical non-negotiable.  They do it in creative ways that stretch the bounds of comfort for those who’ve been seated in pews longest.  And, amazingly enough, they’re seeing this generation return and engage at a very high level.  And if you look closely enough…there’s something strangely Biblical about what they do.  There seems to be an empowering of the Holy Spirit in ways these churches have never seen.

So allow me to sound the alarm!  We can never make our traditions holy and mistake them for the purity of the Gospel.  If we make our comfort and preferences the center of our worship experiences…then we’ve succumbed to a spiritual narcissism.  So let me make this very clear – God will not be among the proud, the bitter, or the “set in their ways”.  News flash: it isn’t about you!  If that’s hard to swallow, try a little New Testament reading…maybe start with James?

This weekend we’ll be expecting a great move of God during D-Now @ Concord.  We’re investing in the future expecting to see students experience a mighty visitation of God.  I’m praying they catch a fire that will spread to the Church.  I’m praying that fire will remind so many of a time when their faith was new and passion was their language.  I’m praying parents will remember the call to live this faith daily…powerfully.  I’m praying when this fire catches hold, students will stand along adults with hands raised high.  I’m praying for shouting, stomping, jumping and praising that pours into the streets and shakes the foundations.  I’m praying a revival starts!

It’s time we rethink what we do…and lead with strong and passionate hearts for all things Jesus!  Let’s give up on anything and everything that divides us and hold to all that unites.  Let’s embrace change that hurts.  Let’s speak a relevant language and see the church become a place where all generations can worship at the feet of Jesus!

Lord…may it be so!

Fear can cripple.  Fear can immobilize.  Fear can destroy.

Fear can rob you of the life you were intended to live and blind you from the invitation to live it.  Fear can zap and drain just like the first step I take into the mall (unless there’s an Apple store…of course).  It’s poison to our soul and grounds the spirit that was meant to soar.  And know this – it’s greatest thievery: fear will roadblock your worship and silence your praise.

Fear in itself is a choice.  When I was a kid, it was that which lurks in the dark.  As a teenager, it was rejection.  As an adult, it’s losing control (my family, my health, my home, my savings).  As circumstances of life change, we foresee an impending turn of events that leaves us penniless, homeless and lost at sea.  It could happen, ya know?  When offered the chance to stand for what’s right, we’re passive…for it might bring rejection.  It could happen, ya know?

It’s Mary cowering before Gabriel.  It’s the Hebrews cowering before the giants.  It’s Moses’ stuttering and David hiding in a cave.  It’s all through the Bible and nothing has really changed since.

We’re a fear mongering crew and given the right opportunity we hit the trail…Jack!

We lack courage!  We lack bravery!  We lack the steadfastness and stability of a warrior who stands his ground and never retreats – never gives up.  Overwhelming circumstances only make him stronger.

If looking for a dose of real courage, try these steps:

• Look in: Grasp a real understanding of who you are.  The Bible calls you royalty.  You’ve been given a suit of armor and a sword to do battle. (Ephesians 6)

• Look up: Be strong and courageous for the Lord is with you.  Your strength is not your own nor is it found in you.  If you are filled with the Spirit, wisdom is your guide.  Then and only then will courage lead you in the right direction and not be empowered by ego or spiritual immaturity.

• Look out: See your life, your surroundings through a Biblical perspective.  What do you have to lose? “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Luke 16:25 & 26

The Bible tells us that we have a battle around us and within us.  We have a formidable enemy who lays traps of fear at every junction of every day.  Yet, the Bible also gives a name of the one we follow: The Lion of Judah.  He is strong, fierce in battle and courageous.

If you’re tired of living an empty life of fear and anxiety…then try a dose of courage.   Stand tall, firm and immoveable.

Tomlin captured it well:

I know Who goes before me

I know Who stands behind

The God of angel armies is always on my side

The One who reigns forever

He is a Friend of mine

The God of angel armies Is always by my side