|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Awe |
|
| |
Meditate: Acts 2:42 - 43 When we gather together as a Church, as we’re worshiping together, frequently there’s a sense that sweeps over the congregation. Different people might describe it in different ways but they all sum it up the same: God is present. This is what sets the Church apart; this testifies that this isn’t just any gathering of any group of people. You see, God is present. Some, unfamiliar with being in God’s presence, may know something’s happening but not recognize Him. Nevertheless, God is present. And in His presence everything changes… In God’s presence, we as a people become aware of who He is. We are reminded of His holiness and righteousness. We are reminded of our neediness and sinfulness. In His presence we sense His power and His love and the sense of His arms around us. We sense conviction of sin and the desire for repentance and renewal. We sense His Light and His Life calling us out of our darkness, and death, and despair. We sense all that He is and we are filled with awe. - When have I experienced God’s presence?
- What were the circumstances?
- What did I feel?
Pray:
Praise: You are awesome in Your sanctuary. You give power and strength to Your people and I find shelter in Your presence. Confess: I have resisted the change that Your presence would bring. Thank: You fill me with joy in Your presence. Ask: Look with favor on Your people as they gather in Your sanctuary. Digging Deeper: Isaiah 6:1-8
Awe |
|
| To leave a comment or start your own blog: |
 |
or |
 |
Already a member? Login |
|
|
|
|
Hi Dan, one of the challenges of small groups is the lack of praise and worship music. However, this challenge is not the kind of challenge that you may think. Instead of challenging us to find musicians, it actually challenges us to recognize God's presence whenever we gather together, even if there is no music.
As a result, we live less by 'feeling' the presence of God and more on 'knowing' He is present. This knowledge gives us an assurance that we know Him and He knows us, and because we are one, He also hears us.
I have a friend that goes to traditional church on Sunday morning because he loves the live praise and worship music. And every Tuesday we get together for lunch. He confesses that while he loves the live music, the real changes in his life occur during our meetings, because "God shows up and causes change in us all."
I'm not saying that a small group is right for everyone, but learning to find God in the difficult times is a spiritual skill that comes in very handy, especially when you have a need and there is nobody to help, no one to listen or comfort.
Great blog, Dan. |
|
|
| There is definitely something special about worship services. Yes God is present, but isn't he present now as I sit alone here typing this? Maybe the difference is, in a church service, where God is actually being sought by the group as a whole, his presence is felt collectively, with the collective feeling being fostered by the Spirit that is present in every believer. Just some thoughts... |
|
|
Hi Mike, I think the collective 'breath of fresh air' that is felt in a corporate worship service where there is music is a powerful experience indeed. However, I'm less inclined to believe it is simply the recognition of the presence of God as much as it is the power of music to stir our spirits AND recognizing God's presence.
Many people dismiss the power of music as one of the world's greatest forces, but I'm telling you, there is little in this earth that is more powerful. The playing of a single song can turn us melancholy, giddy, introspective or angry. Music is created in the spiritual realm and is released into the natural to accomplish a goal. That goal is determined by which spirit authored the song.
So when a corporate body gets together and begins to sing with one voice, something happens that cannot happen individually - the entire group begins to feel the impact of oneness - everyone now being in agreement with the Holy Spirit to achieve the goal of the song - which is usually the invitation for God to show up and do His thing.
You see that? Everyone gets to see everyone other individual working together toward the same goal, all simultaneously, spiritually, successfully. And because it's music, nobody argues the theological value of it, they just sing. They agree and they sing, and then BOOM.
It happens. He shows up. Why? Because at that moment, we are in agreement, one mind, one body, one spirit. This is what makes people yearn for more, because they know in their spirit, that THIS (oneness) is why they were born, what gives their lives meaning, and encourages them to continue to keep the faith. |
|
|
| Music is very powerful indeed, and I largely agree w/you on the role of music in bringing about the feeling of God's presence. That would be one key difference between the presence of the Lord during corporate worship and his presence when I am alone. But I've also "felt" his presence more powerfully during group prayer, and even during the nonmusical portions of services. So as powerful as music is, I think there is something more basic to this. Again just thinking out loud. |
|
|
| Speaking of music Jonathan, did you ever learn to play guitar? I still remember your blog announcing your intention to take the plunge... |
|
|
| I'm still plunking away, not making any tunes yet (except major chords). |
|
|
Jonathan, if those bands we listened to in the '70s teach us anything, it's that three major chords can be arranged to to make a tune!
You'd have to know me better to know this but in my lexicon worship is much more than the time when we're singing.
As Mike can tell you, our church has one service -- held in an assisted living center -- that's intentionally structured to offer folks many different "on-ramps" to worship. Honoring their individual limitations made us more aware of the need to build that into the service but it resulted in a format that many Evangelicals find not to their taste. |
|
|
Hi Dan, I apologize, I misread your paragraph. Somewhere or another I specifically read "worship music service" in your blog. However, since you specifically did NOT mention music, then I fully agree that worship is something that can and sometimes is done all the time.
However, I still say that corporate worship is the true experience of unity in Spirit that awakens the destiny within us to be one with God, and everyone wants that, sinner or saint. |
|
|
No argument there! There's a huge difference when worship is corporate. It's interesting that all the biblical images of heaven are of corporate worship.
I sometimes wonder if the folks who think that heaven is all about their preferences are going to be happy with that... |
|
|
More Posts from PastorDan
|
|
|
|
|
|
back to top
