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| When do you stop worshiping? |
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Mike says: I once heard someone define worship as expressing to God Almighty his “worth-ship”, or how much He is worth to us. The simplicity of this was startling to me. After some thought, I realized that worship is far more than just singing hymns and praise songs. Worship is a way of life, because I can worship God in everything that I do! How I spend my time and money, who I hang out with, how I dress, where and how I work, how I treat people, how I drive, etc., all became expressions of God’s worth (or, yikes, lack of worth!) to me. Seeing worship as a way of life has really helped motivate me to consciously take God with me wherever I go and seek to please Him in all that I do. Biblically, I would say that this is also loving God (1 John 5:3). Among the many positive results I’ve experienced are more consistency in my walk with the Lord, a livelier prayer life, plus greater authenticity and joy when singing those great worship songs with y’all on Sunday morning!! |
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| To add a comment to "When do you stop worshiping?" |
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| January 16, 2007 |
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| Hi Mike & Laura,
This is how I would answer your question (When do you stop worshiping?).
1. When you do not reckon on the truth (it is living by faith).
2. When you allow the old mind and old man's behaviors, to try and prove that you are as you were, before you were born again.
3. When you have not defended yourself against the wiles of the devil.
4. When your focus on the world and the problems therein, seem larger than God. It was easy to worship, when I was atop the water... but when I began to sink, and the strom engulfed me... I was overcome by what I heard and saw and I lost sight of Him (Peter).
Also in your blog you said, "take God with me wherever I go." This reminds me of the illustration of a guy driving down the road of life, when he gets into trouble and a bumpy ride, so he stops the car and gets Jesus (who has been locked up in the trunk), out. And because Jesus, is now riding with him in the front of the car... the drive gets better. However the big question is: when life gets easy again, does Jesus go back in the trunk?
Keeping our minds on the things above (Col.3:1-5), keeps Jesus at the steering wheel and me as a passenger (1 Cor.6:19,20)...
Blessings,
New Model Church
homeprospects@yahoo.com
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| January 18, 2007 |
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| Hey Mike, that's a great post on worship! It is sooo simple yet profound. It really opens up a whole new way of looking at worship.
I have some stuff on worship also and one of the things is testimonies from saints on "God moments" of worship. I'd like to use your post as an example of worship.
I fully agree with you that worship is a way of life. God is still seeking worshippers. He is reaching out to us moment by moment in our lives to reveal Himself in our everyday living. I believe that anytime (or any place or in whatever way) that God manifests Himself, it will spontaneously bring forth worship within us. How exciting and intimate is that?!!
Thanks bro for the confirmation :).
Charlie
mychurch.org/fellership
http://fellership.com
http://pub1.bravenet.com/forum/24852844 |
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| January 26, 2007 |
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| Thanks Mike - you said a lot of what I was trying to get at, but in a more friendly way :) |
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| January 29, 2007 |
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| Hi Mike, I put a little down about worship, I hope it helps you some with your question. Talk to you later your brother in Christ Gordon
Worship
We must worship God in Spirit and in truth. From the early existence of man, God has expected and required that man give Him proper respect and consideration. Though there have been various acts of worship, God has required specific things in the different periods of time, that man should do in worship of him. Today, we, being governed by the New Testament are required to render unto God worship that is given in this New Testament or covenant.
Jesus speaking to the sinful Samaritan woman at the well, (John 4 v 5-30), told her that the hour cometh, and now is when the true worshipers of God would worship him in spirit and in truth.
There are many people today who offer some kind of tribute unto a God, but there are few who worship the true God of all , and even fewer people who offer worship in spirit and in truth, Worship is defined as paying honors or homage to a supreme being. To us, worship is paying homage or honor to God in heaven.
(2) We Are To Worship God And Him Only
In the book of (Exodus 20 v 3) the first of the Ten Commandments . God said: “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.” In this passage, it is plainly shown that God desires our entire devotion and respect and that there must not be another.
In (Exodus 20 v 5) God said: “I am a jealous God. Of course, meant that nothing should be exalted in their eyes as God or to be God.
In the New Testament, in the words of Jesus in the wilderness when he was tempted of Satan, we read “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve. Jesus emphatically declares that we must worship God and him alone.
These passages of scripture should be sufficient to show whom we should worship. Now, The next thing that we want to notice is how should we worship.
(3) We Must Worship God In Spirit And In Truth
We have already read this passage of scripture. Now let us analyze it briefly. We found worship to be the act of paying homage unto God. We also see that it must be done in spirit and in truth. In spirit - Means in the proper attitude and frame of mind. In truth - Means - according to the commands of God.
Many people have the proper frame of mind when they engage in worship but some of them do not do so in truth. Jesus said: “In vain they do worship me, teaching the doctrines and commandments of men.” The word vain means, empty, useless, without benefit.
Jesus emphatically stated that some worship him in vain. What we want to do is worship God in the proper attitude or spirit and also in truth. There are several items of worship mentioned in the New Testament. We want to study them right now.
(4) We Must Worship God In Song .
In the book of (Ephesians 5 v 19) we read - “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymens and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.” We also find in (Colossians 3 v 16) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymens and spiritual songs, singing with grace in you hearts unto the Lord.”
(5) We Must Worship God In Prayer.
On the day of the establishment of the church we read in (Acts 2 v 42) that “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrines and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Paul admonished the Corinthians in this manner, 1st Cor.14 v 15; What is it then?
I will pray with the spirit , and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding also.”
(6) Teaching Is Also A Part Of Worship.
We are to teach in singing. We also find that the apostles were told- “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, Lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28 v 19)
In the book of (1st Cor.14 v 26) Paul said: “How is it then , brethren? When ye come together, everyone of you hath a tongue, hath a doctrine, hath a revelation. Let all things be done unto edifying“. We then must teach each other as we come together.
(7) Communion Is A Vital Part Of Our Worship Of God .
In the book of (Matthew 26 v 26) we find Jesus at the last supper with the apostles and the scriptures says “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and break it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, take, eat; this is my body. “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; “For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
After Jesus had died and the church was established, we find that they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. We further find that upon the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread. (Acts 20 v 7). We also have other mention made of the communion of the body and blood of Christ but these will be studied latter on.
(8) Giving Back To God Is An Act Of Worship.
We read in the writings of Paul to the Corinthians (1st cor.16 v 1-2) “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. “Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gathering when I come.” In this verse we have the example given of Christians giving of their earnings in order to care for the needy saints. We also know that some of the various churches sent support to Paul as he preached the gospel from place to place. Evidently, the money given is to be used in order to further the work of the church and to care for those who need care. |
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| January 29, 2007 |
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| Thanks Gordon, awesome contribution! I love the detailed explanation!
And though I certainly do not disagree at all with anything you write, my original intent with this blog was actually to share how worship can be conveyed as a lifestyle which any lover of God can participate in rather than a strictly followed set of guidelines, which tends to be rather exclusionary (Methodists tend not to "worship" with Baptists, nor Messianic Jews with Eastern Orthodox, etc.). Of course, I'm not denying that there is a very special place for corporate worship (worth-ship) too!!
A lifestyle of worship also lines up well with Deut 6:5, Matt 22:37, Mk 12:30, and Lk 10:27! Lord bless! -Mike |
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| February 03, 2007 |
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| Hi Mike, I'm thinking your question "When do you stop worshiping?" is rhetorical. Very cool! I've started trying to identify when it is that I stop worshiping. Typically, it's at the beginning of an attack...spiritual, earthly, internal, etc. Now I can focus my prayer more strategically and proactively...I've been talking to God about this...asking Him to please help me to remember He is ALWAYS with me. No matter how dark things seem, His light is with me.
I'm gonna have to give you a star...although, it's really a star for the Holy Spirit speaking through you. God bless you so that you will continue to be a blessing!!!
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| February 03, 2007 |
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| MaryAnn, yes I was thinking rhetorically. It's AMAZING when I realize God is with me always and my every action has the potential to exalt Him!! |
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| February 08, 2007 |
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| This is so true. Worship goes with us as we live out our everyday lives. It feeds our soul the more we worship the Lord. The more our souls are fed the more we walk out into this world as lights of God.
Give glory to God always; always give glory to God. |
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| February 17, 2007 |
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| In the book "Unceasing Worship" by Harold Best, he says that we never stop worshipping, we simply redirect our worship to something other than God. Good book, worth reading on this subject. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| Wow, a new comment on our very first blog, and only 6 months after the previous one! How cool is that? Thanks Little Musicmaker! ~mike |
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| December 06, 2007 |
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| It kind of makes you wonder if worship has more to do with a condition of the heart? |
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| December 07, 2007 |
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| That's a great insight Dave! |
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| April 29, 2008 |
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I love this "subject"! Going from Moses and the worship in the Tabernacle, (can you even begin to imagine how horrible that must have been?) to the freedom that King David felt, (Singing and dancing naked in front of his men is true freedom). To even today. Just 10 to 15 years ago worship was so different. We have to make it personal, and use our lives to worship the Father.
So when do you stop worshiping? When I really need to be pressing in! Wow! Enlightening! Thanks for the post. I know I am a little behind, but catching up is the fun part!
~Be blessed! |
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| May 02, 2008 |
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| LaTonya, I have to say, its so cool revisiting our (my) very first blogs. I appreciate that you've gone back to the beginning!! Nice to know these things aren't completely forgotten - lol. |
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| May 03, 2008 |
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| When you start at the beginning then you can see the growth process. I don't want to read the newer ones first just in case I miss something! I am trying to do one or two a night. Just to let them soak in. I love your perspective on things. Very intriguing! I am so blessed by your words. Thanks for soooooooo many posts. Gotta go catch up! |
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| June 26, 2008 |
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Worship = Walk = Worship....
Thanks for the encouragement, Mike (n-Laura).
T. |
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| June 26, 2008 |
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| Thanks Tonya! (I keep tellin myself I'm going to bed, but still haven't...this could be a problem) You have a unique and very godly perspective, which I am appreciating! |
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| September 13, 2008 |
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| You never stop worshipping. |
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| September 14, 2008 |
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| Worship perhaps my favoriate subjects! Answer to your question NEVER! Like you said it's a lifestyle! There are times when in all honesty I don't feel like worshipping God. But when I think about what true worship is ascribing a worth to God, I do it anyways cause He is soooo WORTHY!!! Great first blog! |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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Everything we do brother ought to bring glory to God.
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
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| October 21, 2008 |
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This was a major change in the way I saw "worship" just a few years ago. Thanks for the comment Todd, we are "on the same page" as they say! Angela, somehow I must have missed your comment. Thanks so much sister, yep this was our humble MyChurch beginning. :-) |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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What a great first blog Mike.
When do I stop worshipping? Never. Not even after they pry the bible from my cold dead fingers! |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| LOL, that's pretty extreme Michael! But then, if your fingers have grown cold due to (death), your spirit sure will be worshiping, in as good a place as we'll find! |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| Worship is what we were created to do. I try to stress this concept to my youth group. We are doing a bible study on the book og Revelation and they are so "heartbroken" that heaven will not be about "things", but rather completely about Jesus and the worship of him who sits on the throne. Great first blog Mike! |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| This was an awesome first blog Mike..Worship....Oh how I LOVE to WORSHIP HIM...Nothing compares to it my friend..nothing in this whole wide world....Thanks for reposting ;o) |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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Thanks Marjay!! It's one of my favorite things to do to!! Starr, that's a mindblowing concept...our purpose is to worship him who created us! And yet, something in the avg human wants to immediately rebel at the idea! (not me though, I've been re-created, I'm a new creature!) |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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It reminds me of a song.....
I was made in His likeness, created in His image, for I was born to serve the Lord
That's what we're here for.....to serve and worship Him :) |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| Our purpose..... to worship. A lifestyle of worship, which certainly includes much service. Amen CindyLou, agree wholeheartedly! |
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| November 14, 2008 |
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The first time you see worship mentioned in the scriptures is in Genesis 22:5. 22:5 Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the ass; I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you." The first time you see worship mentioned in connection with music is in 2 Chronicles 29:28. 29:28 The whole assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. Our traditions have changed the meaning of the word. This is the only verse in the entire Bible where worship is mentioned at the same time as singing or music. And who said we aren't religious? David Ravenhill has a great teaching on this subject where he speaks to all this. Romans 12:1 is the act of worship we are called to...because of what was mentioned in Romans 11:36. :-) 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen. 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Best regards,
Craig |
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| November 14, 2008 |
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| Fabulous comment Craig....thanks! |
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| August 05, 2009 |
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