It seems that there are seasons where God focuses my on renewed emphasis.
For a month God has been reminding me of both the power and importance of daily, heartfelt praise.
I dont think this has anything to do with the musical abilities of the worshipper. It's all about a heart of gratitude and honor.
I'm reminded of 1 Thess. 5:15-18 where Paul reminds us that 'this is the will of God', to give thanks always. Too many things rob us of that focus. Interestingly enough several friends of mine have died lately. Too young in my opinion, but then God doesn't consult me on the plans for everyones lives. (for which I am thankful.) but all of these men where God-seeking, men of faith and it reminded me that I have to trust God and live a life of faith if I am to praise Him and give thanks, even when I don't understand His plan.
Well, I recently re-read a book that impacted my life 30 plus years ago. It's in my mentoring booklist that I give the young guys that God puts into my life to pass on what God has graciously deposited in me. It's called "From Prison to Praise" by Merlin Carothers. It reminded me of not only how praising God for everything, like Eph. 5:20 says is biblical, it also releases the power of God to work in our circumstances. Amazing! Such a simple truth and yet so foundational. It first helps our attitudes. It humbles us to trust that God is big enough for any problem. Secondly, it keeps our heart positive and faithfilled as we focus on the solution, the person of Jesus, instead of the problem or circumstances.
Finally, as we truly worship him, we are drawn into a present reality of his presence and receive strength and grace for enduring whatever is going on.
I have been so stirred, I have been making time every day for personal worship. It is impacting my life. One of the things I have doing as well is surrounding myself with worship! I am a great love of many kinds of music. But for a season I am going to listen to and sing only that which glorifies God.
I am soaking myself for a while I guess. I can already see the impact as I minister to others.
I have discovered on youtube that many of the great worshipping churches have videos available for free. SuzY Yaraei, Anthony Skinner, Bethel Church in Redding California, Morning Star Ministries with Leonard Jones and Potter. If we want t be worshippers, there is no kind of music that isn't avilable from sancticfied blues to hymns to rap. Whatever our taste is there is music available that the spirit will be lifted in and the words will be life-giving.
so I put out this challenge: To what are you listening? Are you taking time daily to minister to the Lord in Psalms, Hymns or spiritual songs.
try it, it will change your life and release the flow of ministry though you.
The book Prison to Praise was a major influence in my life also. Sometime I'll share with you the whole story about how that book came into my life and what was going on when it did.
ReplyDeleteBe filled with the Spirit!
Thank you, brother Hugh! This was a great reminder and something the Holy Spirit has been working out in my life for months now. I'm reading an amazing book along these lines called, "One Thousand Gifts," by Ann Voskamp. It's a life-transforming, mind-altering book about the importance of gratefulness, and how joy comes through thanksgiving to the Father. I just might have to check out "From Prison to Praise" now too. Love, in Christ, Donna
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