Music and Worship
This evening we had our annual church choir appreciation dinner. It is always a great time of fellowship, and a good way to say "thank you" to those who lead our music in the worship services. It is put on by one of our families who are very thankful for our music, and I am so glad they are willing to obey God's leading to do this. After all, where would our worship be without music?
Now, keep in mind there is more to worship than music. I get the idea that today some people have come to think that the music part of the service is the "praise and worship." I will grant you that it is an excellent way to praise God and to worship the Lord Jesus, but it should not be "all" of the praise and worship in a service. Everything we do and say in a worship service should be our way of expressing our hearts to the Lord.
When we pray, we are worshiping God. We are declaring our dependence on Him. That is worship, as we show His great worth to us. Then, when we give our tithes and offerings, we are worshiping the Lord. It is an act of trust and showing God that we know it all belongs to Him. He is worthy of our best, the first fruits of all He gives us. Also, the message should be a prime part of worship. As the Word of God is shared, we all should be praising and thanking God for His truth and His promises. When we see His will, we decide to obey, because He is Lord of all. That is worship. Then, when we conclude the service with a time of commitment, we are really worshiping Him. We are letting everyone know that He has spoken to us, and we are not ashamed to follow His will. In fact, we know we must obey, since by ourselves we can do nothing.
Music plays a huge part in all of this. It inspires our emotions. It touches our hearts. It opens our minds to focus on Him. Then, it calls for us to obey. We can do things with music that can be done in no other way. That is why we sing to the Lord and listen to others sing to the Lord. He is worthy of our songs, which flow from hearts of love and adoration. Music is His gift to us. Let's us it for Him. Let's return it to Him in a worthy manner.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 3-5.
Now, keep in mind there is more to worship than music. I get the idea that today some people have come to think that the music part of the service is the "praise and worship." I will grant you that it is an excellent way to praise God and to worship the Lord Jesus, but it should not be "all" of the praise and worship in a service. Everything we do and say in a worship service should be our way of expressing our hearts to the Lord.
When we pray, we are worshiping God. We are declaring our dependence on Him. That is worship, as we show His great worth to us. Then, when we give our tithes and offerings, we are worshiping the Lord. It is an act of trust and showing God that we know it all belongs to Him. He is worthy of our best, the first fruits of all He gives us. Also, the message should be a prime part of worship. As the Word of God is shared, we all should be praising and thanking God for His truth and His promises. When we see His will, we decide to obey, because He is Lord of all. That is worship. Then, when we conclude the service with a time of commitment, we are really worshiping Him. We are letting everyone know that He has spoken to us, and we are not ashamed to follow His will. In fact, we know we must obey, since by ourselves we can do nothing.
Music plays a huge part in all of this. It inspires our emotions. It touches our hearts. It opens our minds to focus on Him. Then, it calls for us to obey. We can do things with music that can be done in no other way. That is why we sing to the Lord and listen to others sing to the Lord. He is worthy of our songs, which flow from hearts of love and adoration. Music is His gift to us. Let's us it for Him. Let's return it to Him in a worthy manner.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 3-5.