An Outward Expression of an Inward Condition

Some thoughts on this weeks lecture:

There needs to be a healthy balance of Spirit and Truth in worship. This week taught me of the implications of moving towards more of a Bible focused worship to God which leads to Legalism while too much attention on the Spirit led type worship can lead to mysticism.

(Spirt and Truth: John 4:19-24)

I saw that worship in the Old Testament either referred to ‘bowing down’ (shechah 80%) or as ‘service’ (abad 20%). I was reminded of the slave mentality of Israel when God had removed them from Egypt and how he wanted to change their definition for service to an intentionality in their lifestyle. I was amazed that, just as Israel was brought out of slavery, I was brought out of the slavery that my sin put me in and give me the right to be a slave to God.

I was blown away by the original simplicity of worship in Abraham’s story. Abraham whose mind was fashioned after the false gods of his time gained this incredible revelation of God when he, out of an admiration for God was willing to kill his own son as a human sacrifice. This story assured me that worship is simple yet it can cost everything. I was challenged by Abraham’s radical faith to be willing to give anything and everything to God. (Genesis 22)

The teaching on holiness solidified a lot of what the Spirit has been speaking to me about having a proper respect for a God who is holy. I need to live a different life then the world because my God is different and he does not participate in what the world defines as acceptable. There is a privilege and a responsibility that comes with living a holy life. Our worship needs to remind us that God is holy and that His grace is not cheap. Just like Nadab and Abihu, God has a standard for acceptable worship that he will hold so that we would look different. (Lev 10)

The main problem in our worship is that we come in a self-serving way, i.e ‘Me worship’. The bible teaches that there are consequences for this and that God discipline those who do not fear him in worship. This seems extreme but we cannot compromise and make false worship. I received an understanding that there is a right way to worship and a wrong way to worship. This was a wakeup call for me as a worship leader to know that God, just like in the Old Testament, is still serious about worship.

Worship through Christ allows me to be in a priesthood of believers meaning that I can worship in Spirit and Truth. The implications of us being able to baptize, lead worship, preach was a great reminder for me; I have the authority in Christ to approach his throne with boldness knowing that His sacrifice has paid the price for my sin. Grace means that we get off easy and that we don’t have to do something to earn God’s favor but simply have faith. There is no worship without grace!

I Can Trust You

I Can Trust You

Inspired by Psalm 90:1-2

Verse 1

When my doubts shadow the truth

and I’m burdened with this new day

you remind me of my past

how you’re with me

you’ll never leave me

Chorus

I can live this day because you’re faithful

You have proven yourself to me again and again

your yoke is easy, your burden is light

I can trust you

I can trust you

with my life

Bridge

I surrender to your plan

I surrender to your purpose

I surrender to your promises

I surrender to your love

My life is yours

God has been speaking to me about his faithfulness and how, just as he has been faithful in my past so he will be faithful today in my life. I can live in freedom today knowing that whatever circumstances come my way that I can trust Him with my life. If you're reading this today I hope this will encourage you and remind you that God is for you, he has the best for you, that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. God is faithful, never forget that!

This week I'm learning about the 'Theology of Worship'; we will be going through the word of God and finding out what God intended worship to be. I am so privileged to be in this school and to learn these amazing truths.

because HE is more,

Jer

Week 3 - Identity of a Worshipper

Hey everyone,

You wouldn't believe it but we're already walking in a snow capped winter wonderland here in Montana. A few days ago on my birthday we got hit by a blizzard out of nowhere and since then its stuck so HELLO winter.

Some major news worth reporting is my outreach locations that have been set. Following our lecture phase of this school, we will be flying out a few days before Christmas to Spain and will be taking a sail boat called a 'Mercy Ship' on the Mediterranean Sea to France. Once we hit france we will be doing ministry in the southern cities for a month. After a month in france we will flying to Budapest, Hungry for the second portion of our outreach. We're still praying about what type of ministry we will be doing but it will be during Christmas so we might be doing some time of street ministry and playing Christmas carols. Please be praying for this opportunity, that we might be able to seek God's heart for how we can reach these people across seas.

This weeks lecture content was on the "identity of a Worshipper." Matt Atkins, a pastor from a church called Mosaic in Washington came and challenged to take responsibility for our lives, being vulnerable, honest and open with people, the balance between humility and confidence as well as Christ-likeness in the ministry. I was impacted by how much freedom can come to our lives when we can stop blaming our problems on external circumstance and past experience and take responsibility for our own lives; being honest and transparent with our shortcomings and confident in our strengths.

I did a character study on John 13:5 where Jesus washes the disciples feet. It was interesting to see that because of the disciples bickering about who would be the greatest in His kingdom, Jesus gave them an object lesson to show them what their real position was under Him. He tells them, "He who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves." He shows them that they must be willing to do whatever task, even the most menial; that is necessary for the good of their brothers. This passage gives an incredible light to the character of God who gave up the power and glory of being God to become a man. We see that our Creator, the Almighty God, is first and foremost a servant. He is willing to serve his own servants!! How could we NOT serve this God! I hope this challenges you as it does me as we seek to deny ourselves for the service of others.

"let this attitude and purpose and humble mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God did not think equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained But stripped himself of all privileges and rightful dignity so as to assume the guise of a servant, in that He became like men and was born a human being" Philippians 2:5-7

Because he FIRST loved us

Jer

Community United

Community United

Thank you father for this opportunity

We come together in our vulnerability

And as you form us into community

teach us love, compassion and humility

let us live in harmony

We will walk as children of light

In goodness, uprightness and trueness of life

We love you oh God

Give us your heart

A community united in your name!

Our passion is to live purposefully

encouraging one another intentionally

to love in a way that is worthy

giving thanks to You who is holy

who has come and served us so lowly

>>This is a song I wrote this week inspired by Ephesians 5.

Because He is good!

-Jer