the focus of our worship: God or Us

The book of psalms contains a lot of text that teaches and proclaims the attributes of God. When we are worshiping God – it’s important to be remembering texts such as those found in psalms that allow us to worship God for who He is. Therefore, when we are worshiping through music, the songs that we sing MUST be theologically correct. They should not be about us, but rather they should be directed to God – singing praise to his Holy name.

If you are going to have a worship leader, he needs to know God and he needs to walk in the fear of God and in holiness. In our churches today we have let musical worship become consumed by what sounds and looks good, and we no longer stress the importance of having someone who walks in the fear of the Lord lead and direct our worship services. *In the book of Leviticus, God kills 2 worship leaders because they did not worship Him in a way that was conformed to the scriptures*. Of course it’s great to have a talented musician up on stage, someone who can play and sing and lead well, but it cannot be left at that as it so often is...

Worship is supposed to be a tool for teaching – Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your heart.” The purpose of singing in the church is FIRST and foremost to bless God. Worship God for who He is, praise his name alone. Secondly, worship is a tool for teaching, to teach those who are singing, to encourage them and admonish them and to even be a witnessing tool to those who are unbelievers. This is a problem in much of the modern music – not all of it, but a lot of it – they don’t follow these principles. It’s more about FEELING. Much worship in the churches today is nothing more than a celebration of flesh; it is an exercise in emotion. We should not depend on music, on glorious and amazing music, to worship God. We should not rely on music and musical worship to feel the presence of God. The Spirit will not move more if the music sounds better – our desire to worship God should not be limited to musical worship in church on Sunday morning. If we only ever feel the presence of God when emotions start to be stirred at a worship event – there is something not right there. It’s not wrong to have music that lifts your emotion, but be careful. Be careful. When the presence of God is always ‘bless me, bless me, bless me, joy joy joy, dance dance dance’ – something is wrong. The presence of God should also convict us of our sins; it should open our eyes to how fallen we are.

I’ve been to multiple youth group events growing up, young adult conferences and worship events, and I’ve seen a lot of different worship ‘styles’. Successful worship does not need to end with people in tears, people with their hands raised, and people on their knees. Successful worship doesn’t have to have the entire audience clapping, people dancing and shouting and singing loud. Successful worship is allowing those in the audience to direct their prayers and praise to God alone. It allows people to worship Him and reflect on who He is and how amazing He is. Worship should not become about us, it should not be about the team on the stage, and it should not be about the light and sound systems. Worship should not be a show. How insulting is it to God that we turn an opportunity to worship Him into something about us. The subject of our praise needs to be God alone.

psalms of praise

He died for me.
I dont deserve that - rather my actions sure don't.
My weak heart and my failed attempts to live a life worthy of my calling make me realize how blessed I am, how amazing His grace is and His love.

I may not feel deserving, but one thing I know for sure - He deserves everything.
He deserves the very best that I can give him...

Reading through psalms the past few weeks has opened my eyes yet again and reminded me of so much truth. I don't praise God enough. I don't lift up a thankful heart to Him as I should. I don't give to Him the glory is due His Name. My prayer right now is that as I walk in the word daily, that God would grant me wisdom and knowledge that I might better grasp who He is. I pray that He will help me to remove the blur in my vision that is distracting me from seeing Him clearly. I cannot see because my vission has become blurred by stress and fear and worry, but I want to leave those things behind me, I want to lay them before Him trusting that as  the weight is lifted from me, my vision will grow clearer.

psalm 96:8

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name."

psalm 96:9

"worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth."

psalm 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

psalm 70:4

"May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say 'Let God be exalted!"

psalm 71:14+15

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure."

No matter what you face each day, even if your circumstances change for better or for worse - HE will ALWAYS be worthy of your praise, he will always be worthy of your best worship. He deserves all the glory and praise forever. Each day we should strive to wake up with a heart of praise and thanksgiving. True joy can be found through this - in Him alone, the only hope we have - the only thing that will truly last forever.

Give Thanks in all Circumstances

Be Thankful:

For Life.
Each year, there are estimated to be 42 million induced abortions. Children who will never get a chance.

For Water.
783 million people live without safe water. 11% of the world’s population.
African families survive on an average of 5 gallons of water each day IF lucky, while Americans use an average of 176 gallons each day. 

For Food.
in 2010, 925 million people made the ‘hungry people of the world’ chart.
925 million people go hungry each day while 25% of Americans consume fast-food daily.
Americans spend on average nearly 100$ billion dollars on fast-food each year.

For Education.
In the world today there are approximately 1 billion non-literate adults. 26% of the world’s population.

the average American takes their ability to read for granted as they spend
about 9 years worth of time watching TV in a lifetime, and only 20, 748 minutes reading

(that’s 346 hrs...that’s 15 days... in a lifetime!!!)

For Electricity.

79% of people in 3^rd world countries have NO access to electricity.

That’s about 1.5 billion people.

¼ of the world’s population.

For Jobs and Financial Income.
The average American household will make $2,316,300 in a lifetime.
In Uganda, the average household will make $8000 in a lifetime.

That is a difference of 2 MILLION, 308 THOUSAND, and 300 dollars...

For Peace and Safety.
On average, 1 in 5 countries is affected by war or civil conflict.

 

Not hitting close enough to home?! That’s okay (catch the sarcasm here...), the average person can shrug this information off within a few hours because they do not feel it applies to their culture or life conditions as they have been born and raised with these things; therefore, it does not make them feel thankful or blessed for their circumstances. Alright, so let’s get more personal...


Be thankful:

For God’s Grace.
They say about 33% of the world’s population is Christian.
However let’s take into account that MANY take the title but FEW truly live it and have a transforming relationship with Christ.
This leaves about 66% (probably more) of the world that does. Not. Know. God.
*by GRACE you are saved*
be thankful that God revealed his light to you and that you do not need to walk in darkness.
be thankful that you have been offered an eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ.

For Health.
around 28% of children in developing countries are underweight or stunted.

In the world about 40 million people have HIV/AIDS.
There are 350-500 million cases of malaria each year.
Every year 1.8 million children die from diarrhoea.

In 2002, there were about 1500 deaths per day in the USA due to cancer.

For Shelter.

640 million children live without shelter.

In 2005, 1 in 3 urban dwellers (about 1 billion people) were living in slum conditions.

For Wealth.
*even when you don’t consider yourself wealthy*
1 in 9 children live in poverty in Canada.
In 2005 there were about 150 000 homeless individuals in Canada.

The average Canadian household has 2 vehicles.

I guess this may depend on what you consider to be ‘wealthy’, if wealth to you is living each day with enough – then I think you should consider yourself wealthy. If you are going to compare your financial stability to the rich people around you, of course you are going to feel poor. Just remember those in 3^rd world countries are comparing their financial stability to people like you – the average citizen – and they feel beyond poor. What you  spend on fast food each week could change some lives. Just something to think about. If you were poor, you wouldn’t be spending money on fast-food, gas, movies, clothes, extra foods and drinks, pleasures etc. If you have enough – you are wealthy.

  

Anyways. Just food for thought. This isn’t meant to be a guilt trip, or to make you feel bad for the life you have. It’s also not to meant to make you feel like your struggles and challenges don’t count. BUT it is meant to make you realize and remember to be thankful. You are blessed. You should always be able to find something to be thankful for. Family, Friends, Health, Security, or whatever it may be. God will always provide for you what you need.

“God’s plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day”

“God’s plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day”
No matter what situation you’re in, no matter what challenges you face every day; God is always and will always be bigger. He will always be stronger. He will always be there.

Awhile ago I came across a quote that said something like this, “If you believe God has a purpose for your life, then you must believe that He will bring you there also.” How true is that? At the end of each day, we must choose to believe – truly believe – that God has a plan and that he is walking alongside of us, taking us to where we need to be and changing us into who he needs us to be. No matter what we faced that day; every day can throw a curve ball and every week can feel like a kick in the stomach when things seem to be going downhill, but God is always bigger and he will always be stronger then the pulls coming against us.

Choose to be thankful. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. In my daily life – though it’s so easy to forget and it’s so easy to take much for granted, I have much to be thankful for. I am blessed. My life just looks different from those around me, but God has blessed me greatly. If you are constantly comparing your life, your possessions, and your accomplishments to others around you – you will always find someone who is ‘better off’. Who are you trying to please? God calls us to be thankful for what we have and to use our blessings to glorify him. We are called to live righteously... whether we are rich or poor – it doesn’t really matter. Live a life pleasing to the Lord. Riches don’t mean blessings, even the rich can earn their treasures in an unrighteous way – are we trying to please God? Or are we just trying to be rich? I guess in the end we need to truly be thankful – truly realize and believe that we have immeasurably more then what we deserve – and live life in a way that gives all that we have and all that we are back to God.

No matter what – God can and He will. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, how high a status, how popular or known you are. It doesn’t matter how beautiful you are considered to be, it doesn’t matter how healthy you are, it doesn’t matter where you live or who you live with. It doesn’t matter the challenges you face, the inflictions put upon you – God can work through anything. At the end of each day, no matter how frustrated you are or how happy you are – God is there. There is no need to feel alone when life is hard, and there is no need to walk alone when life is great... God is always there. Don’t allow your idea of ‘good’ to be affected by money or success or accomplishments in the world eyes. Live for God alone. He will take you places and he will carry you when you fall. His plans cannot be thwarted. Seek him and him alone.

is the fashion industry a respectable one?

I usually don’t write about this kind of stuff, but I must admit – I think about it often. I was watching TV and saw this documentary about the over-sexualisation of young girls (age 3-12). WOW! I’m actually speechless... what the media and fashion industry can make out to be so innocent and ‘artistic’ is actually destroying any need to feel beautiful on the inside and be confident in who you are naturally. I saw enough to be SO bothered by it that I started researching a little online, just out of curiosity... and once again, I’m completed shocked at what I’m learning. I don’t want to go into detail, but I wanted to write enough so that at least people can be aware, because this problem won’t be going away anytime soon based on the reality that the media and fashion industry has SO much power in our culture.

I read some articles and journals written after a controversy broke out due to a spread vogue published of 10 year model Thylane Blondeau. Obviously the pictures in the magazine were ‘creepy’ and a little too ‘gown-up’ looking for such a young girl. Imagine a typical vogue photo shoot of 20 year old models, and then switch the model with a 10 year old girl – although she’s still wearing the same clothes and same make-up and hair – and worse yet – she’s posing the same ways. Lots of people would agree that magazines with spreads like these desire to have models give off a sexual vibe in order to attract viewers (both male and female). The point is to appear not only pretty and stylish, but sexy and seductive... the fashion industry is not really an ‘innocent’ world. Why is it that when the model is a 10yr old, rather than a 20yr old that the photo’s are now supposed to be ‘artistic’ and ‘innocent’. Take a look at the following photo’s to see what I’m referring to... Just because she’s ten and doesn’t have a curvy figure doesn’t mean it’s okay. She is in many ways being portrayed in the same way as grown models.

People have started asking, “Is this child too sexy?” “Has this been taken too far?” In my opinion if you are even asking that question then the answer is automatically YES! One of the photo’s features this little girl model with her top off (covered by a necklace) and the photo style is called ‘implied nude’. This is NOT just artistic anymore, it’s actually very inappropriate. Why is this necessary in our society? What is the purpose of posting magazines spreads like this and photographing little girls? It’s unrealistic to think that little girls will actually buy into this (or that their parents will) and dress like these little models, wear make-up and have their hair done like this, pose like these photo’s and desire to give off a ‘sexy’ appearance... it’s SO unrealistic...

or is it?

I looked up some products being sold to young girls (ages 3-12) and I was surprised to see that these products were being sold and let alone being purchased by PARENTS (given that many of these girls don’t do their own shopping and parents give in to their children’s wants – even when they’re very wrong). I found a t-shirt being sold that reads ‘who needs a brain when you look this good?!’ What a poor message to be sending out. I found department stores selling ‘lingerie inspired’ underwear and bra’s for little girls 12 and under who don’t even have the body for these products. To me, that is disgusting and that is only TWO examples!

Reality is: The fashion industry is now targeting little girls. Why? Because they can! Because these kids and their parents themselves are buying it and they are growing up in the mindset of ‘believe everything the media says’. It’s hard enough for teenage girls and young women, and even older women to put aside the messages of the media and really push to be confident in themselves, to not base beauty off of ‘how sexy and seductive can you be’, ‘how good can you look’. So now girls who aren’t even old enough to be in the double digits are fighting these media messages. It’s everywhere. Role models these days for young girls include stars such as Nikki Minaj and Lady gaga. These little girls buy their music, see their music videos and therefore are being exposed to sexual innuendos and messages before they’ve even hit puberty.  They are getting an understanding of sex and sexuality before they’ve even started sex-ed. Classes in school (which by the way is now going to be being taught at the age of grade two – way earlier than ever before)

No wonder depression caused by insecurities – which results in anorexia, suicide etc. – is climbing. Girls have a set standard for what they need to look like and the body they need to have in order to, not just be beautiful, but be sexy before their bodies have even begun to change. Of course the fashion industry will just say ‘You’re reading into this too much, this isn’t the message we’re putting out...”WHO CARES WHAT THEIR REASON IS!! No matter their purposes, they aren’t respectable either way because they aren’t interested in true/real beauty and confidence. They are only interested in money, no matter the long lasting effects their actions will have on little girls who grow up to either hate themselves or sell themselves out.

I don’t know what the solution to this growing controversy is, but I think people better start trying to figure it out because the result of the over sexualisation of little girls is going to completely destroy the concept of ‘self-worth’, and no, I don’t think I’m over-reacting. I grew up with huge insecurities because of messages the media sent out – for me, that didn’t start until age 12 or 13. I can’t imagine growing up and being 8 years old and already feeling ‘ugly’, already craving materialistic things in order to be ‘pretty/beautiful/sexy/wanted’. It’s horribly sad... as are many things in our society these days. .. and I don’t mean to seem super negative or be a ‘downer’, but seriously... it’s something to talk about, it’s something to fix. I don’t think I want my little girls growing up in this society – the hard thing is, it’s almost impossible to keep them from all the media’s messages... so I guess it’s about time that something is changed...

he can and he will

Be rooted in Christ.

It’s so easy to put your security and comfort in such material things.
It’s so easy to build your future based off of money and careers.
It’s so easy to follow the ‘ideal road’ of the world and do what seems right to everyone else, rather than going against the tide even though you don’t have all the pieces together.

When did Jesus ever say ‘you must have everything together in order to go places...’ or ‘God cannot use you unless you are wealthy, educated, and pulled together...’

I don’t know. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think we’re called to be ‘prepared’. I think we are called and then he PREPARES us. Have your heart focused on Christ, pursue Him and live your life in a holy and pleasing way to God, trust in Him at all times, be content no matter the circumstances, love your enemies, repent from your sins, pursue holiness... if God will bring you to it – he will see you through it.

God has a purpose for you. He has a plan. Don’t ever doubt that. If you believe it, then don’t EVER think that his plans for you can’t unfold until you have everything together.  His ability to USE YOU doesn’t depend on how much money you have, how settled you are, how good your career is or how well-known you are... in fact, his ability to use you doesn’t really depend on anything shallow and meaningless. Why would God’s plans for you ever be interrupted by earthly things that will eventually pass away? Think about that... don’t be worried about anything because God WILL provide. He will provide financially, he will give you strength and wisdom, he will give you people in your life that you need, he will give you work, he will give you peace, he will give you all that you stand in need of... he will give you ALL that you stand in need of... in this way, HE will be glorified...

If we are standing rooted in meaningless things, shallow things that will fade away – then what success can we really find in the end? Stand rooted in Christ and you will not fall. Although you might seem crazy or unrealistic to the world, they may say you are unprepared, too young, too poor, not smart enough, not good enough – whatever – you aren’t meant to keep in step with the world. We are called to be set-apart, in EVERY way! Why? Because we need to aim to keep in step with Christ, and that will never look ‘normal’ to the world. If other Christians can’t support you – then just remember – it’s HIS opinion that matters. ONLY HIS! If you are going to be rooted in Christ, then do what God calls you to do – do it joyfully and confidently – trusting that HE will carry you through – HE will be your rock and support – HE will never let you fall.

Be wise. Be mature.

But don’t be rooted in meaningless things.
Don’t allow your life or your future to be controlled by things that can, at any moment, let us down.
Stand secure in Christ, knowing that he will never pass away.
Glorify God. Live for him and believe that His purposes for you will not be determined on anything other than his power and his grace, things much greater and stronger than anything in this world.

he can use you - and he WILL use you. stand secure in that.

New year. New Mindset

Be Thankful. Every Day – choose to be thankful.

Remember that you are blessed. God has blessed you with many amazing and wonderful things and people. Humble yourself and be content – realizing that God has always provided and protected. “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Don’t Lose Hope – Choose to Trust God.

God has a plan. Strive to accomplish all that he has for you – because you have purpose. Don’t give up on yourself or anyone or anything. Persevere.  “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be’. Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead – since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4: 18-21)

Be Positive – Every day, in every situation, choose to be positive.

In every way, big and small, choose to keep a positive outlook. It will lighten your mood and your heart. Joy cannot co-exist with negativity – and in Christ, we have every reason to be positive and therefore find Joy.  “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far out-weighs them all.” (2Cor.4”16+17)

Focus on God – Every day.

Spend time in prayer and in the word every day. Get into a good habit of putting aside time for you and God, growing in your relationship with Him. If your focus is on Him, there your heart will be also. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful..” (Colossians 4:2).

Do not Worry – Rely on His promises.

When it seems that you have lost all control and all ability to fix the problem – remember that God has everything under control. Trust in Him and he will follow through. Trust in his timing – his ways are perfect! “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1Peter 5:6+7) “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6)

No Self-Pity

Self-pity will absorb your full attention; it causes more harm than good. It WILL make you feel worse –even though it is the easy road. “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance”(2Thessalonians 3:5). “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances... I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12).

Ask for Forgiveness – Every Day.

True repentance required you to truly strive to change. Recognize and admit your sin and mistakes, allow Christ to make you new each day and strive to be better in every way. Push yourself to grow and be more like Christ! “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (Psalm 32: 1+2) “Therefore confess your sins to eachother and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

Depend on God – His Strength and His Grace.

Don’t rely on your own strength, rely on God’s because he will never fail you. He WANTS to help you through every trial and every challenge... let Him. “I am the Lord the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).