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I AM
Just suppose you’re out for a little exercise. You know, just a little walk around the block. You’re minding your own business, when something catches your eye.
Across the street is a burning bush. No, I’m not referring to a winged euonymus, a bush that turns bright red each fall. I’m talking about one like Moses saw; a bush on fire but not consumed.
You are curious, to say the least. You approach the bush, and as you draw near, you hear someone speak to you, calling you by name. You are reminded of Adam, using a bush to hide behind, so God couldn’t find him. Only, here’s someone acting a lot like God, hiding behind a bush, looking for you.
You finally catch your breath and ask him his name. He replies: “I AM!”
His Name is I AM.
Which literally means: “I exist, I be, I become, I come to pass.”
The Name, I AM, wasn’t only for Moses’ day and Israel’s deliverance!
He also says to you and I: “I AM what you really need Me to be!”
“I AM the Guarantee for all you need!”
“I AM salvation, deliverance, provision and hope.”
“I AM the miraculous, restoration, comfort and grace.”
“I AM the promise fulfilled, springs of refreshing, the desire of all nations, and rich to all who will call.”
“I AM every good and perfect gift, your defender and confidant, and your breath of life.”
“Do you need healing? I AM your healer.”
“Do you need peace? I AM your peace.”
“Are you hungry? I AM the bread of life.”
“Are you lost? I AM the way.”
“Are you confused? I AM the truth.”
“Do you lack wisdom? I AM your wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.”
“Everywhere you go, I AM present. I AM there.”
“All you could ever become, I AM your creator.”
“What do YOU need? I AM!”
You know what? After encountering I AM, you will discover life just isn’t the same without Him.
Jesus is the Father’s I AM.
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Worship Is Costly
Churches prepare annual budgets about this time each year. One of the questions leaders will ask is, “how expensive, how costly, is worship?”
While it’s necessary for churches to plan and spend wisely, true worship isn’t a “dollars and cents” issue. It is a matter of the heart; a very costly matter of the heart.
Here are two stories about two different men, their God, and the high cost of worship. Two stories about worshipping one God, on the same mountain; separated by about a thousand years.
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning… On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.”” (Genesis 22:1-5 ESV)
“And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be averted from the people.” Then Araunah said to David… All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the Lord your God accept you.” But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.”” (2 Samuel 24:21-24 ESV)
God is worthy of our worship, regardless of the cost.
It’s true; we are to freely worship the Lord. Unhindered, unfettered, and without feeling coerced or under duress to worship. But freely isn’t synonymous with free or cheap.
Worshipping God adequately and appropriately is a very costly act. The very moment the cost becomes too great, is the moment we cease to worship.
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” (Psalm 9:1-2 ESV)
Our whole heart is the most we could ever give to God.
And that is the cost of worship.
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No Reason To Worry
Why do people worry so much?
Why do I worry as much as I do? How about you?
Is it because I don’t realize all I have? Like, maybe I’m unable to see what’s in my cupboard?
Do you have a vision problem, as well?
I mean, if I knew my bank account had one million dollars in it, would I worry about a twenty dollar bill? Or, if I needed two cans of green beans, would I wring my hands raw if I knew there were four cans in my cupboard?
What I’m wondering about is: is there a connection between knowledge and faith? Or, between worry and a lack of knowledge?
There just may be!
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A Pleasurable Python?
How much pleasure can be derived from having a 12 foot Python as a pet? A pet, according to the dictionary, is “a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility.” So how would someone find pleasure in a huge, powerful snake?
Maybe the snake could be trained to fetch a newspaper. Imagine the look on the paperboy’s face as the snake meets them at the door at six o’clock in the morning.
Perhaps it could be trained to give full body massages? But could you ever be certain it wouldn’t massage you just a bit too much?
And what would you do if, when you’re cuddling with it while watching your favorite movie, it turns to give you a little peck on the cheek and latches on to your ear, instead? Would you say, softly and tenderly, “Petunia (that’s the snake’s name), please let go. I know you love me, but I really need my ear. Please be nice. Remember, I’m the master and you’re my pet. PETUNIA! LET GO!!!“
Can anyone REALLY trust a snake?
Is there any way to successfully reason with a snake? If a snake COULD be tamed, how long might it take? Does a snake ever become a true pet, as in domesticated, or does the snake’s “owner” become the snake’s pet? Which one enjoys the “relationship” the most; Petunia or the owner?
I’ve read that Pythons, depending on the exact breed, are approximately 12-40 inches long when they hatch. To some, that’s such an adorable size. But I’ve also read they can reach lengths upwards of 12, 20, and in some cases, 50 feet long!
I don’t care who you are; that is NOT adorable! THAT is scary!
Note: I really wanted to show a picture of a giant python, but thought it would be too distasteful. So, please enjoy the picture of one of my “nephews”. His name is Kirby. A TRUE PET.
How about if I give you a little secret?
If you don’t want to be devoured by a snake, don’t try and keep it as a pet!
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Random Thoughts On Worship
Worship is not an art; it is an act.It is not for display; it is for devotion.
Don’t worship the act.
The act of worship isn’t role playing; if so, it isn’t worship.
The words and music are simply vehicles used to carry the heart to the Throne of God.
When the worship setting, such as stage presence, lighting, and sound, becomes the focus then worship will not go beyond the room.
God inhabits the praises of His people. Praises from a contrite heart.
Shouts of jubilation will break down walls of bondages and addictions. But the shout must begin as a cry from the heart.
The Gadarene maniac could only be tamed by the One no one could control. Jesus!
When will we realize God has never let man put Him in a box? Oh, we think we have Him packaged just right. Until we look over our shoulder and see His back side, as He walks away from us.
Draw near to God. How? With everything we have, and all that we are. And believe me, it’s not that we have so much to give. We just need to know how bankrupt we really are without Him.
The one who knows their God shall be strong and do great things.
Worshipping God is foundational for a godly life.
The more we truly worship, the more His Spirit changes our heart.
When I minister to the Lord, He ministers to me. As I give my heart to Him, He gives His heart to me. Wow, do I ever get the best part of that deal!
How about sharing some random thoughts about worshipping God?
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Worship Questions
I’d like to ask you some questions, if you don’t mind. Questions that pertain to worshipping God. Please feel free to write your thoughts and comments, as I think it would be good to develop some dialog between us. Thanks.1. Why should a church schedule time each week to sing songs?
2. How much time do you think should be devoted to singing?
3. Is the sermon more valuable to a congregation than singing?
4. If so, why sing? If not, why not have all music?
5. Which do you prefer; fast or slow songs? Why?
6. Do you enjoy singing the old hymns, or are you more drawn to a contemporary style?
7. If you could change just one thing in your church, in regards to its music, what would it be?
8. Do you have times of personal worship outside of a church service?
9. What do you think worship in Heaven will be like? Describe, please.
10. Is it possible to have a “heavenly” worship experience here on earth?
Thank you for responding. May God bless you with His Presence today, and always!
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The Mean Time
The saying goes something like this: “I’ve prayed and asked God to help me with thus and so…in the meantime, I’m not sure what to do.”
Sound familiar?
Have you had “mean time” moments? If so, you will probably agree that the “mean time” can be extremely mean; filled with pressure, worry, and disappointment. But those times cannot be avoided; they are part of the faith process, as described in Galatians 6:
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:7-10 ESV)
The process: do good, mean time, due season. Or as a farmer would say: plant the seed, wait, harvest the crop.
Petition God, wait in faith, realize the answer.
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What are you going to do about it?
Alright! You say you’re sick and tired of the way things are in your life! I hear you! Your friends hear you! EVERYONE hears you!
What are you going to do about it?
You’ve complained until you’re out of breath. You’ve blamed other people, rotten circumstances, and even God (in a roundabout way) for all your problems.
But what are YOU going to do about it?
You boast about your faith in God, when things are going your way.
But when storm clouds come and cover your sky, such ugly words you say.
When will you rise and begin to walk, God’s high and holy trail?
God is for you, not against you, and His Word will not fail!So, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO about it?
Maybe you could start by exchanging your old, calloused, bitter heart for a brand new heart of thanksgiving? Think so?
Be thankful for the friends you have, though you’ve tried to drive them away.
Be thankful for the breath you breathe, clothes you wear, and each new day.
Be thankful, because it’s the way to be, the way to look, the way to live.
Be thankful for a God Who is merciful, patient, and not quickly angered (like you are), Who knows how to give.Yes, that’s a good thing to do!
A great place to start.
Give up your mess
And receive a new heart!“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27 NLT)
“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” (Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT)
Yes, that’s a great thing to do about it!
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Worship and Guidance
“I wonder what God wants me to do?”
“Lord, how can we reach our neighbors with Your good news?”
“How can we ever get out of this mess, Lord?”
“How can I worship when I’m too confused and upset to sing?”
“Is there any correlation between the act of worship and receiving God’s guidance?”
“Why does worship seem to open the portals of Heaven?”
“Is it possible to worship God without saying a word?”
These questions, and others like them, seem to rise up within us at times. We somehow know there’s a Divine connection between worship and guidance, but we’re afraid to actually step out and commit to it. So, we bounce around throughout life wondering if we’re really doing God’s will.
But God has a better way!
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The Worship Shepherd
I like to think of Isaiah 40:11 as kind of a job description for worship pastors. “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” (Isaiah 40:11 NLT)
Worship pastor qualifications? How can that be? There isn’t any reference to music, or singing, or even choirs! Jan, what in heaven’s name are you trying to say?
Just this. The ability to sing, play an instrument, or conduct a choir, is such a small part of what a worship pastor does; and even less of who the person is.
Many people can sing the house down and draw huge crowds everywhere they go. Great musicians are practically a dime a dozen. Choir conductors are graduating from college each year, just waiting for their opportunity to perform.
If a person has enough desire and discipline, they can be taught to sing, play, and conduct.
But a worship pastor is someone who has the heart of Jesus, along with the necessary musical skills.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
