Worship in Song

Today’s worship order was largely selected by Jason Hendry from the band Jeremiah Foundation. Thanks to Jason and his wife Katie who have contributed and been a part of helping with worship at Mosaic.

Today is a good day! I am so grateful I experienced the day where I saw the light of Jesus in my life. Let’s all think about the light of Jesus as we watch and sing with the song by old time great, Hank Williams Sr. As a reminder, just click on the videos below, if the video don’t appear, just click on the link.

I Saw The Light

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL3Dp0CBJwE


I love that old song. I remember living in Tulsa and going to the Caines Ballroom where many greats like Hank Williams used to play. I don’t know if he ever had any idea of the longevity of that song when he wrote it and performed it.

There are other wonderful new artists that are searching for spiritual truth, despite what we think of them. One of the most recent is Sinead O’Conner with the following song.

Thank You For Hearing Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPH4_DDDz8Q


I am so grateful that the creator of the universe chose to have a relationship with me through his son Jesus. We truly do serve a great God.

How Great Thou Art

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhLgOLGVG0U


God is an incredible God. We often think we have to say so much, but the truth is, sometimes just to silently pray, just to contemplate the goodness and reality of God is enough. The times just between God and you can be an incredible time. Let’s each of us make the following tune a tune where we contemplate the goodness of God.

Let My Words Be Few

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12z4dvc2kjo


Father thank you for all you have done for us, you deserve all of our worship, all of our praise. In Jesus name, Amen!

We are going to take a break right now, use this few moments to stretch, call someone, tell them you love them and appreciate them, maybe even send an email. Get a nice beverage of your choice come back and enjoys the rest of the message. I would like to remind you though, if a part of a church or ministry, you have a responsibility to joyfully give in worship both in time and finance to that ministry. If you are not a part of a larger ministry or church, pray and consider who God would have you help and support. God don’t have to, but he chooses to use you and your willingness to help others as a way for you to show him how much you love him. Give of your time and money with a joyful heart in this act and means of worship.

Father I ask that as we look at today’s message that you will give us ears to hear what you would have us hear. Father may your Holy Spirit come, may your Holy Spirit move, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

For the folks that know me, they know how much I love music, but not just a particular style but virtually all styles. I can actually think o very few styles of music that I don’t like. Today we are going to look at music in the area of worship. But I would like to look first at music, and in particular my own musical taste over the years.

I think most of us have a real appreciation of music that is based in part on our youth. Depending on your age, you may have an appreciation for Elvis Pressley, maybe Madonna, possibly Jefferson Airplane or a country fan who likes the likes of Garth Brooks or even a George Jones. As for me, I have a great appreciation of those I grew up listening to.

Among those were many of the classic artists, artists such as, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, The Who, Led Zeppelin, BTO, Nazareth, AC/DC, and many others. I figure they call that music classic for a reason, because it was and still is.

In enjoying the music of your youth, have you ever felt like Christians would you have to listen to “their” music and forget the styles that you appreciate?

I grew up listening to some great songs as I said earlier, I would like to rekindle some of those memories. There was Nazareth, see if you remember this song?

Love Hurts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2BjJbKQkgc


I appreciated that song because sure enough, love did hurt, I was looking for love and few expressed the concept of love hurting more than Nazareth did with that song.

I of course was always a Rock N Roller. Few songs expressed the concept of Rock N Roll as well as the classic Rock N Roll band of all time, Led Zeppelin.

Rock N Roll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS-JtX-v33Q


As I mentioned earlier, there was some of those songs from some of those bands that were not only putting out classic songs, but were being put out by classic bands that have endured the test of time. This following song is a song that was like a lot of songs in the style, it had as a point of focus things that many Christians had issues with, but they still found a way to reach out, grab and entertain those listening to the music. The following is one such song by the band Aerosmith.
Walk This Way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0DTPHql_18


As much as I enjoyed the music, bands and time of my youth. I never imagined that I would one day get to do some limited work with one of the bands I grew up with. This is a classic band I was blessed to spend some time with when I worked with The Rob Cassels Band. A song I know many old Rock N Rollers still enjoy. Steppenwolf and John Kay is still playing music, still playing in fact not only new songs but the following anthem.

Born To Be Wild

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMbATaj7Il8


There were many other bands I enjoyed, another fellow I got to work with now plays one of the most famous guitar riffs in the history of music. Steve Morse now plays with Deep Purple, and while this is the older version of this song. I have seen Steve now play this several times, and while I haven’t had the joy of playing it with him. I have played this on my bass guitar many times.

Smoke on the Water

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG47FWl94yQ


This gives a good idea of what I grew up with. It is likely now that some Christians are blasting away because I shouldn’t even dare to post music like this. Well there was a reason I had issue with Christianity, to not allow me to enjoy the musical style I grew up with was a very difficult thing for me to endure, but you know what, it is a difficult thing for most new Christians to endure.

I’ll never forget getting saved, coming to call Jesus my Leader and Forgiver, my Lord my Savior, then I got to the point where I come to understand that my style of music would have to change. No longer would I be allowed to listen to, enjoy music like that above, but now I would have to go through my life listening to the music of the church. Instead of a Rock N Roller, I would be expected to become a Holy Roller and listen to the likes of the following:

Shall We Gather At The River

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8-zq96niqs


To say the least, I was hurting. From Aerosmith, Janis Joplin, music with class to a musical style like this. I didn’t know if I would make it. Then, after a few encounters of really struggling, even attempting suicide, I had a youth pastor that showed me something else. It wouldn’t take long before I realized there was a style of Christian music that would touch me, give me hope. Thankfully God Gave me music that touched my soul. The following was the first song that I heard that gave me this hope. It was on an album titled In Another Land by an artist named Larry Norman.

Rock That Doesn’t Roll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAuvq5eduJQ


Over the years, as I have grown older I come to understand the style of music I listen to is not as important as the attitude of my heart when I am listening to it. In this process of growing however, I learned that the style that touches our heart, can, and will touch God’s heart because it is coming from our heart. In other words, God would allow, even encourage the use of certain styles that had touched me.

We all need to remember; that when it comes to music, one person’s style may not be ours, but it does not change its validity. I firmly believe that God loves everything from Bach to BTO, and from Loretta Lynn to Led Zeppelin. Some of us need to accept this also includes styles from Taylor Swift to Snoop Dog. That isn’t to say necessarily the bands or artists like those mentioned above, but stylistically, God don’t have favorites. He loves it all if it gives glory and praise to him.
As we begin to explore the use of music in worship, let’s look at several passages from the Bible.

Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

1 Kings 22:19
This host or mass of persons are the angels: "Then Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left

Revelation 5:8
After he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders knelt down before him. Each of them had a harp and a gold bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.

Luke 2:8-14
That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord's glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay."
Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: "Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God."

When looking at the above passages, I have come in part to the conclusion that music has been touching God since before the creation of Adam.

Angels were created prior to creation of humans and the earth. While we don’t know how long they were around prior to the creation of humanity we know they were from various books in the Bible like Job. We have to understand, God created the angels and many of them, prior to humans, to worship him through, music and song.

On this point of creation, we as followers of Jesus have to remember, God is the creator and the truth of it is Satan never created anything. Regarding the styles of music, we have to get over the style issues. While styles have changed over the years, nothing touches God more than the attitude of the heart! The things that touch our heart in regards to music, if coming from real emotion, and from deep within our souls, will touch and bless God as it is an indication of our love.

We clearly know and can see how much God appreciates music by his creation. This is true not just in music, but also in voice. In this process there are some things we can understand from looking at the Bible.

Psalm 95:1, 2
O COME, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation! Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!

Psalm 98:4
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!

One of the things that should be clear here is we don’t have to be talented to sing songs or play music. God accepts a joyful noise. Now don’t get me wrong, God appreciates talent and ability. We see that in his directives, and instruction regarding craftsmanship and desire that the best be offered as a sacrifice. While that is clear through several passages in the Bible, we can also see that God also enjoys the gift of noise that comes out of joy.

There is another area that can be addressed in regards to our style of worship, whether through the playing of music or our singing. We need to look at the area of silence, because the truth is, many will find ways to be silent in worship, they won’t sing, they won’t participate. It is here that I want to challenge you on something; nowhere in scripture do we see that God enjoys our silence when it comes to worship, other than in issues of prayer, and meditation. It is clear, in areas of music and worship, God prefers noise over silence.

Everyone is encouraged to sing songs and participate in the worship experience, no matter what style you prefer. While some will pretend to know God’s favorite style, I will assure you, few on this planet sing or participate in any worship style that existed in the early days of creation. There are no exceptions to the wishes of God, everyone is encouraged to sing songs, and make a joyful noise, no matter what the style. God enjoys all kinds of music as long as it comes from the heart. This includes both vocal and instrumental.

Many Christians have assumed that any music that is not vocal in origin is not appropriate worship to God. This is simply not true since even in the early days of the prophets and patriarchs, as well as indication from scripture with the angels, there are times of strictly instrumental music. God enjoys the gifts of the heart, even gifts that are used just to give praise. While not everyone can understand this, a musician can certainly understand that the playing of music can be an act of worship. While it may not seem like an appropriate comparison, I think it is, think of the story contained in the Christmas cartoon and song, Little Drummer Boy. The little drummer boys desire to play for the new born king was in fact an act of worship.

As a struggling musician, I have learned that the playing of my instrument can be an act of worship. Because I also value music, I have learned to worship with not just vocal music, but instrumental music. This opens up my worship experience to not just being encouraged to worship by Christians, but everyone God has gifted. True Worship moves us towards God, not focused on ourselves.

We worship God for various reasons. One is because he deserves it, he is God. Another is so we can give him the praise for all he has done. When we give God what he deserves, it improves the relationship between us.

We know God loves music, both vocally, and musically, so we learn to give out of our own love. As we give, it blesses and pleases God, as we bless and please him he respond to us by blessing and giving back.

Now on a closing note, I think one last thing to understand, is that today the aspect was specific to music, there is more than just music involved in the worship of God, there is prayer, becoming as a child, and the way we live. As to how the way we live being an act of worship? More on that subject next time.

In closing today, let’s close with another worship song. Feel free to join in.

Never Let Go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jHrbXEcee8


Thank you God, I thank you for those who have joined in today. May we all be reminded of our need to worship through music. I ask you to bless all of those who have participated with this message. I ask you to continue to help me in this area, let my life, let my music and my song be an act of worship that is pleasing to you. Bless us all now as we go from here. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

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Will You Become Like a Small Child?

I want to first of all thank all of you who either pm’d, emailed, or personally told me of your appreciation of the last worship article. Here is the next in the series and I hope you can help others know about the worship services by passing along the opportunity to others you know. You can be anyplace on the planet, and worship with The Virtual Pew from the services provided at Mosaic Church in Wichita Kansas. It is a reminder of how big our God is, and how big our family is. Of course for those searching, for those looking at trying to get spiritual answers, you are always welcome to The Virtual Pew. I realize it isn’t always easy to go a church building. While we would encourage you to find a good church home, if you don’t have one, I would state, The Virtual Pew Virtual Sermon is a place to start. I would also remind you, we can work with you to make recommendations for church homes in your area. We have helped place people in homes all across the United States and a few in Europe and Australia.

God is good, as a result of his goodness; let’s enjoy some worship time in song. You are welcome to sing along, even in an office listening in on the headphones. Just don’t be too freaked out if at work and it freaks out those in the cubicle next to you.

It is my desire, at Mosaic Church, The Virtual Pew, and in my life, that Jesus is lifted up. Hopefully we all recognize that while we fail, Jesus is the way, he is perfect.

We Want To See Jesus Lifted High

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ9Tu9hFLOc


One of my favorite worship songs is the Days of Elijah, I love the beat, the rhythms, and as my dear friend Keltic Ken would appreciate, I love the Celtic influence. While life seems to suck at times, the truth is, the day will come when Jesus takes his followers to Heaven. What a day that will be. As you sing along, or worship in silence, think of all of the trials in your life that will one day be gone, all the difficulty will be over. For those who know and have a relationship with Jesus, there is a hope that tomorrow will be better than today.

Days of Elijah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1Be0qJw9ZE


When I think of how good my Jehovah (Provider) God is. I am reminded of how I will one day be with him in heaven forever. I don’t know how many have ever seen the movie, The Polar Express, but there is a scene towards the end of the movie where you see all of the kids and all of the elves gathered together at the North Pole worshiping Santa. I think that is an illustration of what Heaven will one day be like, all of us who call Jesus Forgiver and Leader or Lord and Savior, alongside the angels, singing praise to the King of King’s the one who showed his love for us by offering his life up for us and giving us eternal life.

I Could Sing of Your Love Forever

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNVmpLQhK7Q


One of the things I am pleased about is that at Mosaic Church here in Wichita we don’t pass an offering plate, at The Virtual Pew we seldom talk about our monetary needs. That don’t mean we shouldn’t be encouraged to give. I realize this sounds a lot like my dear friend Jesse who also does a cyber church, but I appreciate his spirit on this point. It is a joy, an act of worship to give of our time and finances to the work of God. If you are a part of a church, support that church. If not a part of a church, find a ministry that helps you, support them, if the Virtual Pew, fine, if someone else, fine, but realize, your gifts allow others to touch those in need. It also allows ministry to take place. I see the giving of my time and money as an act of worship, I actually enjoy it, go figure? Hopefully you do as well.

My prayer, Father you are such a wonderful God who has given so much. Let us show a little of our gratitude in the way we are willing to give to others whether it be our time, or our money. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

There is an older song I love as I am awed at the goodness of God. Stand with outstretched arms if you want. Realize the goodness of God. During the end of this song there is a period of instrumental music, use that time to pray, thanking God for all he is.

I Stand in Awe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMXNyts5isg


You know, kids are often left out in the worship experience; it can be a dull experience if we aren’t careful, it doesn’t have to be that way. This next song is a great song that shows how much fun worship can be. As we get ready to go to today’s message, it is more than appropriate. Don’t be afraid to be as a small child. Find the guts to become as a child, even in worship. Have you done that; let’s see as I want to hear you sing out loud this next song.

Cartoons Praise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWzKdSaSEVA


Now that was fun, if you really did get into it, you may have been up dancing around, maybe even dancing with your kids who could see that you aren’t afraid to be a big kid yourself. Now is the time to take a break, get a snack, make a phone call, and go to the bathroom, then come back, sit down, and read the rest of the sermon.

Did you have a nice break? Are you ready for the message, let’s pray. Holy Spirit Come, Holy Spirit Move, Father give us ears to hear what you would have us hear today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Today’s message is called, Becoming as Child. It is another part of the worship series we are doing, and is a continuation of the series from the Back to the Basics series.

There is a video I want love you to watch prior to the start of the message. Take the time, watch, and learn.

Become Like A Child

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy-okLeIVLI


You know, one of the things I try to do is read the Bible and apply it in a practical, real way. One of the things that always amazed me is how some people make the concepts of the Bible so super spiritual, yet leave out the simple basic concepts. One of those concepts is what it means to become as a child. The above video touched on various subjects that I want to touch on as well. The question I am going to ask, is have you ever thought of the benefits of becoming like a child again? What does it mean when Jesus makes the point of becoming as a child?

One of the things I am impressed with as I read the Bible is God’s use of metaphor. The use of metaphor and allegory takes place from Genesis to Revelation. One of the things you see especially in the New Testament is the use of children as an illustration.

In the metaphor of children there are things for each of us to think about. One is that Jesus is speaking of children, in various ways related to age. Now in looking at age, or thinking about age when thinking of children we need to realize that Children have always been children. When you see a kid playing, having fun, sneaking around, doing all of the things we are accustomed to, that is typical behavior for kids and has been for thousands of years.

Psychologist Sigmund Freud’s view of Child development is largely consistent and not restrained by time. In other words, his theory on the development of children is something that has withstood the evaluation of many others. Despite what some issues some may have with Freud on various points, his views on child development is widely accepted. Even contemporary Christian Psychologists Dr. James Dobson borrows on this concept in his writings and presentations. We can see various stages in the development of a child and those of us with children have experienced some of this, whether through the terrible twos, or the sweet teens. We know there are developmental stages to a child’s life.

When Jesus is speaking in many places he is speaking and using children as metaphor, but the concepts are the same, anyone, at any age, can become as a child. Obviously Jesus is seeking to bring people into the kingdom with some of the illustrations he uses. He wants people to experience the best of life, not just the minimal. In that experience, he often uses children as an illustration.

We have to think about some of the illustrations Jesus uses; it is easy to overlook their meaning. The following is such a passage.

Matthew 18: 1-5
About this time the disciples came to Jesus and asked him who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a child over and had the child stand near him. Then he said:
I promise you this. If you don’t change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. But if you are as humble as this child, you are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And when you welcome one of these children because of me, you welcome me.

Notice that Jesus was responding to a question from his disciples about heaven. Can anyone tell me what the primary purpose of heaven is for kazillions of years? It is to worship. I challenge the concept or component of worship, Jesus is in part illustrating, starts now and with the attitude of a child which we must take on in our life experiences. Note the concept of change, metamorphous that has to take place. We must become as a child. Becoming as a child is critical to getting into heaven. We must welcome the behavior of a child into our own lives.

While we glimpse over this passage, we have take the time to get to the place where we try understand some of the basics of what it means to be like a little child. We must learn to apply these concepts into all areas of life. This is something to apply in our lives if we are to get into heaven. It is the start of what will eventually lead to a heavenly worship experience.

When looking at this as a command, we need to ask ourselves, what does it mean to be like a little child? In part it means to trust God like a small child trusts their parents. Children trust parents in all kinds of ways. Or at least they should. In understanding the relationship between parents and children it has become difficult because of the poor role models we see in society. Unfortunately, the family desired by God is not the model we often see. We don’t see it because we live in a broken world.

Remember Christ and his Spirit are mighty counselors, they are the great physicians. There are no deductibles and the premiums are paid. The coverage is full and you don’t have to wait for it. The insurance policy provided by God is perfect and pays complete dividends.

I love the illustration of children reaching up to their parents when they want something. It is one of the reasons I believe we are encouraged to raise our hands during worship. Let me ask the question, why does a child reach up to their parents? I think it is for various reasons, they trust their parents, they love them, they want to be held, they know their parents will protect them, it is fun, and there are many more reasons. You can even insert some of your own reasons here, they are all appropriate.

When looking at what it means to become as a child, we need to think of the concept where we need to love unconditionally: We can’t attach strings to our love for God or others. This one is tough, we know God’s example, it is hard to be like God, but remember we are applying this to worship, and we can’t let our feelings at the moment, be a condition of how we worship God in the moment. One of the things we find out, is when we worship God, even in the hard times, God finds a way to reach down, and pick us up.

We need to find joy in God’s creation, no matter where we are in our lives. We tend to focus on the bad instead of focusing on what God can and has done. Some churches say or imply that we are stagnate, aren’t moving, aren’t doing what we want God to do, and so forth. This is generally true no matter where one may go to church. We have this attitude despite the need to work on our relationship with God and learning to love each other. It is as if some see little or no value in relationship with God and each other. We can talk about being different, but there comes a time we have to be different.

One of the ways to be different is to look at what has God done for us. For many, you may be able to look at the number of visitors God continues to provide. You may look at the space you have. It is easy to overlook your facility if you have one. Look at the things your church is working on. Are there positives? Look at the positives not just with the church, but look at the positives in your life. There are these things and many others that we should focus on. Another point, remember God isn’t just a congregational God, he is a personal God. Don’t just look at what he is doing in the life of the church, but look at what he is doing in our life. Odds are, if we don’t see him working in our life, we won’t see him working in the life of the church because we are the church.

When we get to the place where we are stagnating in our worship and in our lives, we need to ask God for help. We all need it sometimes; there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Remember the examples of children. We seem to get so caught up in pride, we often forget we have a God who owns it all and can hear our prayers, knows our hurts, knows our desires before we even ask. We need to remember that requests and sharing our hearts is a part of worship. In this, realize while prayer is the prelude to revival, it is also a huge part of worship. It is critical for each of us to hear, if there is a problem in our life, we will never be satisfied with any church. While churches may have issue at times, the overwhelming majority of time the problem is with the individuals who make up the church. While we often place the blame on our church for our inability to worship, or grow, it is the person in the mirror that is the problem most of the time.

Sometimes we get caught up in tradition, when we do, we should try new things, listen to what God may ask us to try that is different. We get so caught up in old traditions we forget there may be more for us than we realize. I think of kids at Christmas time here. All of those Christmas presents, how long does a child stay focused on a single thing? It is through many experiences that we learn to appreciate various things, and ultimately find our niche. If you don’t normally raise hands during worship, try it. If you normally clap, be reflective in worship. If you normally raise hands, try something different. Remember worship isn’t about us, it is about us giving to God, find a way to make it the most meaningful gift you an offer, after all, God deserves it. Part of trying new things is so God can give us new things. It isn’t why we do it, but one of the benefits.

In the long run we need to ultimately believe God can do anything, because he can, because he does. We have to have big hearts, and big areas of belief, just like children. Why? Because God demands it from us, not because he wants to horde over us, but because he wants to show us that he is God.

One of the things I want to illustrate as a final point is that in becoming like a child, we often have to undo what we have become. Society tells us how to behave, what to do, we have our images of life we have been told how to paint, and despite that we should have our own dreams God has given us. We all have our own talents God has given us. We have our own way to worship, we have our own individual relationship with God, yet many tell us what their expectations are of us. We are told that these other views, these other practices are the mature things to do, but are they really the things God wants us to be, or become?

In closing, this is one of my favorite songs written by one of my favorite performers Harry Chapin. While this is a different version, the message is still there. Watch the video and think if you have allowed others to tell you how to paint your life?

Flowers are Red

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_AvXnBv8OI


As we get ready to dismiss today, I want you to realize, God still moves mountains. Let those mountains of struggle be moved in your heart. May the traditions of the past that deserve to stick around stay, let the new traditions that God has for you, start. May you become just like the child Jesus wants you to become.

Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3oIJCsRos8


Father, bless each soul that took part in this message, be with them today and through the week, let them become as excited to serve and worship you as a child is on Christmas Eve. Bless them, bless us all. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

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Your Pocketbook and Calendar

Today I am going to try something different, I am going to take a sermon from Mosaic, and put that into narrative form for visitors to The Virtual Pew. It will of course be done in my unique style of using multimedia, and some street level insights.

Let’s first enter into an attitude of worship, but let’s pray first. Father, I realize there may be folks unable to attend a service today, I ask your blessings on them. I ask that your Holy Spirit would use this to reach out and touch those that need touching today. Holy Spirit Come, Holy Spirit Move, In Jesus Name I pray and ask your blessings on this service.

The first song is a song titled; Come Now is the Time to Worship. Let’s get off on the right foot, coming together to worship our Creator, our God.

Come Now Is the Time to Worship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivesRYcIPsQ



Let’s continue in the attitude of worship, here is another wonderful song I would encourage you to sing along with and reflect on the words.

Here I Am To Worship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoxopsRSfdU



You know a lot of folks think worship is about them, it isn’t it is about honoring God. It is about honoring his son Jesus of Nazareth. May we truly lift up the name of the Savior in all we do.

Lord I lift Your Name on High

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WNVRDPKjhY



As we develop a relationship with Jesus, we realize that we develop more love, as we develop more love, the Holy Spirit gives us more power.

More Love More Power

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj0QzV6Zmpo



I would encourage you to take a short break now, go get a cup of coffee or a drink. Maybe even give someone a telephone call to tell them you love them, then come right back for the rest of the service:

I hope you took that short break, now before getting to the message today, I want you to sing along and ask the Lord to open your eyes and ears today to hear what he would have you hear and see from today’s message.

Open My Eyes Lord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1Fz1rviXFU



Today’s message is titled Pocketbooks and Calendars. It has to do with recognizing and seeing that our tithes and offerings are an act of worship. Hopefully God speaks to you through the message today.

Let’s get your attention to start off with. I know how most folks look at tithing, let’s take a look:

Badd Tithing Tricks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzVKPtDdjR4



A few years ago I heard a story while visiting Willow Creek in the Chicago area. The truth of it is most of us say we don’t have time to give, we don’t have the resources to give, but in reality when confronted with certain things we can quickly see and know these things aren’t always true. If for example someone loves the game of basketball and there is a game in your area featuring LeBron James, it is likely that one will come up with the money, and make the time to go see the game. There are special events where we all do this. I will admit I fall into that category as well. Manheim Steamroller is coming to town to do a Christmas concert this year, and I made sure to put money back to take my wife. It was the most I have ever paid for a concert, but I wanted to see them and was willing to make the sacrifice with my calendar and with my checkbook.

A question I would have for you today, is, can you tell what your priorities are?

It is unfortunate that many will have no idea that today’s message on tithes and offerings is really about worship, but if a part of worship is expressing our all to God, then the aspects of worship we speak about today are among the most important, it is usually one of the most important things that helps prove what we really think about God and the Church.

I would challenge each person reading today, the most obvious sign of what is important to us is usually indicated by what is on our calendar and written from our checkbook.

Many of us hold this thing called money in high esteem. The following video tells you just a little about money:

In God We Trust

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dCgGsabOxU



Before I look at some Scripture I want to share some of my thoughts regarding the tithe and offering. In doing this I want to look at some of the Old Testament verses New Testament concepts on tithing. It should be noted here, I am not presenting a straight forward approach as to what is the right definition of Tithing, there is a lot of debate on that subject, even some who would say we should maintain a strict 10% code, and others who say it was done away with in the New Testament. I am merely trying to point out some universal truths, and folks can take with them what they will.

First, it should be noted that in the Old Testament the concept was a strict 10% of all income and property was to be given as a tithe and offering to God. I believe the concept changed in the New Testament and now God requires for those who follow Christ 100%. That don’t mean we have to give every dollar to the church, charity, or ministry. I think it does mean we have to search and consider what God would have us give in regards to our time and our money.

Today, how much we give is a personal decision between each person and God. In this process we have to decide who gets the money and time we give. I do believe that in this process your church should always be the primary recipient. If not in a church then a ministry that you can support should be the primary recipient. That could be a ministry like The Virtual Pew, or another church like Mosaic Wichita, or even a church or ministry in your area. There are many deserving ministries, but I believe being committed to a particular ministry has benefits for you and that ministry. Again, realize on this point that other ministries are acceptable, you can also divide your gifts as you see fit and led to do so. This don’t change the fact though, recognize a ministry, or your church as the primary place to give your gifts of time and money.

Some would ask, how much do I give? I think each person has to pray about an amount regarding both money and time. Then, be faithful to that amount with each agency God leads you to support. Let me give some reasoning as to my thoughts here.

First, please understand, that in a contemporary definition as has been adopted by many, I am not a “Seed Faith” person, at least in the way of prosperity teaching. I have a serious issue with the way prosperity teaching is taught in many circles. God will bless the gift, but is not always in the way people think. It must also be stated, that having financial trouble does not mean you are in trouble with God. There are many examples in the Bible to give illustration to this point.

God uses our giving to bless others, and it allows us to see him work, whether through the church, individuals, or other ministries. I know for The Virtual Pew, and Mosaic Church that the work that is done is largely dependent on the gifts and time of others. I also know firsthand that peoples’ lives have been changed, touched, and even saved, in both a spiritual and physical way.

We need to also understand that the tithe and offering is about more than money. Although money is a part of the tithe and offering, so is our time. There is that reminder for each person as was stated earlier, our time in ministry and our tithes and offerings are an act of worship.

Many people are reluctant to give of their time and money for various reasons. There are many excuses, it is as if we are afraid of something, some kind of pressure, like someone is watching over our shoulder. The following video gives a good example of what this is like for some:

Tithing linebacker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWppyqt-Jdc



In the teachings of the Old Testament, we see a concept of people who would rob God. Let’s look at a passage in the Old Testament that refers to this concept. A note here, is that unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Contemporary English Version.

Malachi 3:6-12

(6) Descendants of Jacob, I am the LORD All-Powerful, and I never change. That’s why you haven’t been wiped out, (7) even though you have ignored and disobeyed my laws ever since the time of your ancestors. But if you return to me, I will return to you.

And yet you ask, “How can we return?”

(8) You people are robbing me, your God. And, here you are, asking, “How are we robbing you?”

You are robbing me of the offerings and of the ten percent that belongs to me. (9) That’s why your whole nation is under a curse. (10) I am the LORD All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing. (11) I will also stop locusts from destroying your crops and keeping your vineyards from producing. (12) Everyone of every nation will talk about how I have blessed you and about your wonderful land. I, the LORD All-Powerful, have spoken!

How do we rob God? We rob God by withholding our tithes and offerings. In the Old Testament, this was ten percent of all income, plus time, energy and effort. The money is easy to figure out, we all can think of how much we should give as an act of worship. I again believe God will make that clear to each person who clearly asks. The time is something else, how are you using your gifts for the Kingdom of God. While many churches have people become involved in areas they don’t enjoy, or are not gifted, the church benefits most when a person’s gifts are matched with their areas of giftedness. I think it is best to give to the church or ministries in ways that are best suited to your gifts and talents.

From the above passage, there are several key points to remember. God never changes, if we return to the ways of God, he will bless us, we return to God, as is indicated by our pocketbooks and time, the church that helps take care of others is blessed by God, and the blessings of God, as a result of the actions of the church, is noticed by those on the outside looking in.

It is sad but many often make excuses as to why they can’t give. They have bills to pay, they don’t make as much money as they would like, they work long hours, they have extra jobs, and in the words from the play The King and I, “Etcetera, Etcetera, Etcetera.” We must ask ourselves the question though, is shortcutting the time requests of God, and the monetary needs of ministry, robbing God?

The bible also provides an example of how one with little time, with little money can still impress God, and display a real act of worship.

Mark 12:41-44

(41) Jesus was sitting in the temple near the offering box and watching people put in their gifts. He noticed that many rich people were giving a lot of money. (42) Finally, a poor widow came up and put in two coins that were worth only a few pennies. (43) Jesus told his disciples to gather around him. Then he said:
I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others. (44) Everyone else gave what they didn't need. But she is very poor and gave everything she had. Now she doesn't have a cent to live on.

Notice in the above passage, it was the poor woman’s willingness to sacrifice that impressed Jesus. Are we willing to make a sacrifice that will please Christ, both in time and money? Notice, how much she gave, she gave everything she had. This is a difficult concept for any of us, but here this poor woman did just that. She had the faith to know God would provide her needs.

In my own personal story I have found that when I give, God finds a way to bless me whether through finance or the gifts of others. Those gifts often include meals, concert tickets, whatever. I have even found myself during tough times winning tickets on the radio to Broadway Touring Shows, concerts with the likes of Joe Cocker, and more. I have even won my wife great Christmas presents. God finds a way to provide when one is faithful; they are quickly reminded that God is also known as Jehovah Jireh, my provider.

On the amount a person gives, I believe it is a personal decision, whether you is not, giving is a command, again, an act of worship, how much you give is the option, at least according to some. My personal belief, and I use this as an example, is that if 10% was good enough for the people of old, it is good enough as a minimum for me. Each follower of Jesus has to remember our limitations are not an excuse to take away from God. He honors the smallest of gifts.

Many of us seem to have a phobia of giving. The following is a video that puts this into perspective.

Tithe Phobia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PyMFZV0nwQ



While many of us may seem to have a phobia about giving time and money, we need to realize; what we do has an impact on others around us, and actually on us, it does this in a number of ways. One of the most glaring is we see God work. There are several passages to look at here, I want everyone read these, and think about what they perceive as being some of the benefits of giving.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2

(1) When you collect money for God's people, I want you to do exactly what I told the churches in Galatia to do. (2) That is, each Sunday each of you must put aside part of what you have earned. If you do this, you won't have to take up a collection when I come. (3) Choose some followers to take the money to Jerusalem. I will send them on with the money and with letters which show that you approve of them. (4) If you think I should go along, they can go with me.

2 Corinthians 9:5-15

(5) So I have decided to ask Titus and the others to spend some time with you before I arrive. This way they can arrange to collect the money you have promised. Then you will have the chance to give because you want to, and not because you feel forced to.

(6) Remember this saying, "A few seeds make a small harvest, but a lot of seeds make a big harvest."

(7) Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. (8) God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. (9) The Scriptures say,

"God freely gives his gifts to the poor, and always does right."

(10) God gives seed to farmers and provides everyone with food. He will increase what you have, so that you can give even more to those in need. (11) You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous. Then many people will thank God when we deliver your gift.

(12) What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God's people with what they need. It is something that will make many others thank God. (13) The way in which you have proved yourselves by this service will bring honor and praise to God. You believed the message about Christ, and you obeyed it by sharing generously with God's people and with everyone else. (14) Now they are praying for you and want to see you, because God used you to bless them so very much. (15) Thank God for his gift that is too wonderful for words!

Acts 2:44-47

(44) All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. (45) They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever needed it. (46) Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, (47) while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.

Acts 4:32-35

(32) The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. (33) In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers, (34) and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money (35) to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it.

We should give because we want to, thus our giving becomes an act or worship. We can tell a number of things from the above passages. We see being able to help others from an individual to a congregational perspective. When giving appropriately, the church can take care of its responsibility of helping others within the body. There is the example and gifts of God to us. There is a great deal that could be discussed here, but my challenge is for you to think about and read these passages, think about the benefits of you stepping up and worshiping God by giving your time, your designated finances to the cause of ministry that he leads you to. If you are active in a church, or involved with a ministry, you have an obligation to support that church or ministry with your finance and time. Make sure that your checkbook has the name of those ministries written on a number of checks. You can also check your calendar, if there aren’t a number of scheduled events inked in that you have been participating on, you have to ask yourself, have I really worshiped God with my time and money? If not it is time to start.

In closing today I want us to spend a little time in praise to our King.

I Love You Lord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNeeHbM7Og