Leaders, Worship Theology, WTTU Special Public Post
Show #168 | “Understanding Worship – God’s Presence”
#UnderstandingWorship
Time: 30m video
Does God Really Show Up?
As a #WorshipLeader, how often have you heard the phrase “God really showed up today”? What does that really mean?Is God’s presence something we can conjure up by our great worship? This is a common misunderstanding about the presence of God that needs to be explored to have a proper biblical understanding about God’s Presence.
Learn the biblical truth about the presence of God, and how that impacts our understanding of worship.
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The Presence of God
The presence of God. He is closer than what we realize. We are often caught by surprise when God is standing in our midst, even in times when we may not recognize His every move. In the past, we’ve heard the term: “Seeker Service” and “Seeker,” when applying this meaning to those who are seeking Christ.Although, this phrase is relevant, I believe it also has another meaning, and begs another question: when we read Genesis 3, it talks about God seeking man. Wouldn’t this apply to our current day condition: God is still pursuing man – where God, not man, is the actual Seeker?
As a worship leader and/or worship team member, how do you see this being revealed in your life? Maybe you, like me have heard the statement: “we need great worship for the Holy Spirit to show up.” Ironically, there are two realities already at work.
God is Seeking Great Worshipers
God hears our every call, and we draw near to Him; #Ps66:18 and #Js4:8. Sometimes we need to be reminded just how present God really is – in daily life and in our weekly services. First, God is Omni-present. As we read in Genesis (and throughout the Scriptures), God created all things, walked with man, talked with man, rendered judgment of sin, extended life to humankind and persistently called mankind into His presence.In each of these scenarios, we witness God through the Scriptures and in human life, consistently finding man and not vice-versa. Secondly, God is not looking for great worship, but rather great worshipers who worship Him in spirit and in truth 3Jn4:23. As #Hebrews13:8 declares, “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever,” our faith reminds us that God is with us both in the garden and in our current day; His presence is inhabited in our worship.
He desires our praise and acts of worship; as we surrender ourselves as living sacrifices. Worship begins and ends with God. He is first and present in worship; we are the ones who show up. Here are some thoughts that have struck me concerning His presence: In worship, When we do show up, what do we give Him? When He calls, how do we answer; and do we answer Him rightly? When He speaks, do we listen? When we listen, what is happening in our hearts?
I heard a great thought from friend and mentor, Buddy Owens, who said, “When God does come and find you in your gardens and in your hiding places, what would you say to Him?” For me, this really hit home. God is not untouchable nor off in the distance waiting for us to find him; but He is our Heavenly Father who actively, passionately and relentlessly pursues us. In fact, God runs to us as the dad ran to his prodigal son. Isn’t it awesome to witness, experience and to understand the wonder and fatherly love of God who seeks, rescues and enjoys his beloved?
Through grace, God invites us to be in His presence. We worship Him as he is in our midst. There is an exchange of this invitation. God is the initiator, He calls to us and we answer. Out of obedience we invoke, seek, beckon and offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Rm. 12:1-2). We give worth to His worthiness because of who He is. God’s nature and character is love; we respond to His love because He first loved us. He renders affection and restoration; by His character and goodness he heals, forgives and restores.
[ctt template=”6″ link=”7Pl1I” via=”no” ]Sometimes we need to be reminded just how present God really is – in daily life and in our weekly services.[/ctt]
Worship Responds To God
As leaders of worship, we have many ways in which we can describe this love and presence of God. Think of some ways you can inspire and evoke a congregational response.Here are some expressions found in the Bible that show various authentic responses to God: #Ps28:2 “Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.” #Ps51:8 “Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.” #Ps95:6 “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;” #Mt8:2 “A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” #Mt26:39 “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.
Yet not as I will, but as you will.” #Col3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” #Rev5:4 “Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
How would these biblical responses affect your worship leading and congregation? What other attributes of God can be used to describe and inspire your church? How do we create/facilitate a worship environment that fosters authentic exchanges? How do we use other tools and vehicles in worship such as music, technology, art and design to enhance our responses rather than distract?
[ctt template=”6″ link=”7Pl1I” via=”no” ] “Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Rev. 5:4)[/ctt]
God Is Here!
He invites us into His presence to respond. God is the Seeker, we are the respondents May our worship and exchanges to God be full of breath, space, awe, honesty and humility. Together, let us render worth to God and marvel in His presence, as an authentic response of worship. Let us declare boldly: He is here.@BranonDempsey @worshiptt @WorshipTTU
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