To: Our God
From: The Wednesday Worship Class
Dear Lord,
Again tonight we bow before your brilliance. We bring our two mites, multiplied by 30+ voices and 30+ hearts. How gracious you are to accept our offering of worship! We desire to bring you pleasure, to make you smile.
Yet we are weak, so you empower us. We are dirty; you make us pure. We are empty; you flood us with fullness.
See how we need you? And you never disappoint.
You pull us into your arms, hold us close, and love us just the way we each need.
When we walk out of this room tonight, our worship is just beginning. Reveal to us still more ways this week to show and tell that we love you…and your goodness and your holiness and your mercy and your….
For we are believers.
And we are worshipers,
of the one true God,
by the power of the Spirit,
through the grace of our Savior Jesus.
We love you, Abba Father,
Your children
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Week 4 Assignments (Prayer)
Try one or all of the following suggestions this week:
1. Commit the next 7 days to consistently pray about the requests in the bulletin, if you don’t already. Keep the list in a convenient spot so you won’t forget. Follow up next week by asking the requestee, when appropriate, how things turned out, or send them a note to let them know you held them up to the Father this week. That’s one way to worship God and show love to each other!
2. What are your greatest difficulties in praying? List three, and then pray several times this week for help in overcoming them.
3. Practice meaningful conversations. When you’re with a friend this week, take a break from talking just to each other, and include God in the conversation. Pray together to Him about the very things you were sharing with your friend.
4. Memorize:
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 JOHN 5:14,15
1. Commit the next 7 days to consistently pray about the requests in the bulletin, if you don’t already. Keep the list in a convenient spot so you won’t forget. Follow up next week by asking the requestee, when appropriate, how things turned out, or send them a note to let them know you held them up to the Father this week. That’s one way to worship God and show love to each other!
2. What are your greatest difficulties in praying? List three, and then pray several times this week for help in overcoming them.
3. Practice meaningful conversations. When you’re with a friend this week, take a break from talking just to each other, and include God in the conversation. Pray together to Him about the very things you were sharing with your friend.
4. Memorize:
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 JOHN 5:14,15
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
My Whole Name
What’s your middle name? Who knows it? Who calls you a nickname?
While our names are not who we are, they do represent who we are. Hearing our name, we always turn and look, regardless of who is calling it. We choose our children’s names with much deliberation. We bestow names on our animals (and even inanimate objects!) befitting their personalities or looks.
Names matter.
What about God? Do we know his whole name? What does he call himself? What does he want us to call him?
Does he turn around and look when he hears his name, regardless of who is saying it, and regardless of how they’re using it?
The distinctive name God gives himself is the tetragrammaton (“word with 4 letters”) YHWH, which we translate as Yahweh, Jehovah, and LORD (all capital letters).
It means? “I AM” (Exodus 3:14-15). “He Who Is,” or “the One that Exists.”
But to us, it also means that through His holy name, we exist. We are. And we are made holy. And whole.
Our whole name then represents more than who we are; it also reflects Whose we are.
Speak His name often—He will always turn around and listen.
His name is definitely a name that matters.
While our names are not who we are, they do represent who we are. Hearing our name, we always turn and look, regardless of who is calling it. We choose our children’s names with much deliberation. We bestow names on our animals (and even inanimate objects!) befitting their personalities or looks.
Names matter.
What about God? Do we know his whole name? What does he call himself? What does he want us to call him?
Does he turn around and look when he hears his name, regardless of who is saying it, and regardless of how they’re using it?
The distinctive name God gives himself is the tetragrammaton (“word with 4 letters”) YHWH, which we translate as Yahweh, Jehovah, and LORD (all capital letters).
It means? “I AM” (Exodus 3:14-15). “He Who Is,” or “the One that Exists.”
But to us, it also means that through His holy name, we exist. We are. And we are made holy. And whole.
Our whole name then represents more than who we are; it also reflects Whose we are.
Speak His name often—He will always turn around and listen.
His name is definitely a name that matters.
Week 3 Assignments (Names of God)
1. “Hi, ____!”
People are flattered when you recall their name. It shows you care enough to invest energy in remembering.
So do it! Be a blessing. Instead of “Hi”, this week say “Hi, ___” when you pass someone in the halls at Central or in the cafeteria at work. Notice how many people you address by name this Sunday. Make it at least 5 (family members/close friends do not count!).
Remember: God knows YOU by name!
“And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”
Exodus 33:17
2. Spend some time this week reading the scriptures in “Portraits of God.” Think through the questions and share your answers with your spouse or a friend.
3. Choose a name of God that speaks to where you are this week. Use a concordance and look up related verses. Thank God for revealing himself to you in such a personal way.
4. Memorize:
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
People are flattered when you recall their name. It shows you care enough to invest energy in remembering.
So do it! Be a blessing. Instead of “Hi”, this week say “Hi, ___” when you pass someone in the halls at Central or in the cafeteria at work. Notice how many people you address by name this Sunday. Make it at least 5 (family members/close friends do not count!).
Remember: God knows YOU by name!
“And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”
Exodus 33:17
2. Spend some time this week reading the scriptures in “Portraits of God.” Think through the questions and share your answers with your spouse or a friend.
3. Choose a name of God that speaks to where you are this week. Use a concordance and look up related verses. Thank God for revealing himself to you in such a personal way.
4. Memorize:
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
Saturday, September 16, 2006
W*W*J*S or What Would Jesus Sing?
I Surrender All?
I Offer My Life?
Amazing Grace?
All the Psalms?
We have inspired records of words he spoke. But what about words he sang?
Certainly of the same value, they must have been true, noble, right.
I Offer My Life?
Amazing Grace?
All the Psalms?
We have inspired records of words he spoke. But what about words he sang?
Certainly of the same value, they must have been true, noble, right.
Pure, lovely, admirable. Excellent and praiseworthy.
While we have no written record of what he sang, we do know that he did sing.
When they had
sung a hymn,
they went out to
the Mount of Olives.
MATTHEW 26:30
What was that hymn he sung?
Do we sing it these days?
Did we sing it tonight?
Actually, it was probably more than one hymn. Tradition indicates that Psalms 113-118, known as the “Hallell,” were sung or chanted at Passover, so scholars suggest
While we have no written record of what he sang, we do know that he did sing.
When they had
sung a hymn,
they went out to
the Mount of Olives.
MATTHEW 26:30
What was that hymn he sung?
Do we sing it these days?
Did we sing it tonight?
Actually, it was probably more than one hymn. Tradition indicates that Psalms 113-118, known as the “Hallell,” were sung or chanted at Passover, so scholars suggest
those were most likely what Jesus sang that night.
Look up Psalm 113-118.
Look up Psalm 113-118.
Imagine Jesus singing these words on the eve of his own sacrifice….
Then the next time you sing “From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord shall be praised” (Ps 113:3) or “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Ps 118:1) or “This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24), remember the context in which Jesus sang those same words.
And sing with inspiration.
Then the next time you sing “From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord shall be praised” (Ps 113:3) or “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Ps 118:1) or “This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24), remember the context in which Jesus sang those same words.
And sing with inspiration.
Week 2 Assignments (Singing)
It Is Your Turn
Next Week!
God has numerous qualities that make him worthy of worship. Choose one to share with the class next Wednesday. Bring a scripture and/or a personal experience to illustrate your thought.
THIS WEEK
Choose one:
1. Using a hymnal, look up “Worship” songs in the topical index. Sing or read the words to one hymn a day for a week.
2. Memorize a new scripture via song. Choose one already set to music or create a tune of your own.
3. Ask each member of your family to submit 2 or 3 song suggestions from their favorite CD’s. Compile this music into a new CD or tape for your everyday travel time.
4. Commit to memory:
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD,
my Rock and my Redeemer.
PSALM 19:14
Enjoy listening to a new song on your borrowed CD this week. When you return it next Wednesday, ask the owner which tune is his favorite and why, then compare that to your favorite.
Next Week!
God has numerous qualities that make him worthy of worship. Choose one to share with the class next Wednesday. Bring a scripture and/or a personal experience to illustrate your thought.
THIS WEEK
Choose one:
1. Using a hymnal, look up “Worship” songs in the topical index. Sing or read the words to one hymn a day for a week.
2. Memorize a new scripture via song. Choose one already set to music or create a tune of your own.
3. Ask each member of your family to submit 2 or 3 song suggestions from their favorite CD’s. Compile this music into a new CD or tape for your everyday travel time.
4. Commit to memory:
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD,
my Rock and my Redeemer.
PSALM 19:14
Enjoy listening to a new song on your borrowed CD this week. When you return it next Wednesday, ask the owner which tune is his favorite and why, then compare that to your favorite.
"Why I Don't Worship"
Part 1:
Why I Don’t Worship
Okay, I admit it. Often on Sunday mornings, I’m just not in the mood to worship. And if I don’t feel it, there’s no point in faking it, right? But hey, it’s not my fault! I just can’t get into the music. Sometimes too slow. Sometimes too fast. And I don’t always like the style. So there goes my worship; what else is a guy to do? Isn’t that all worship is about—singing at church on Sunday?
I usually have a lot on my mind, too, so I can’t be expected to pay close attention. I’ve probably heard it all before anyhow. Same ol’ stories—how many times can you read the same book and expect to hear anything new?
And the prayer requests, well, I don’t usually know those people anyway. As long as the guy up front is praying, that’s good enough, right?
Oh, when I’m at home? Or at work during the week? What in the world does that have to do with worship?
Part II:
Why I Do Worship
Okay, I admit it. Often on Sunday mornings, I’m just not in the mood to worship. But what does my mood have to do with who God is?1 It’s not about me—it’s about him.2 So I share my “joyful noise” with the church, offering him music from our hearts.3 Tuning into the lyrics, I thank God that he’s among us, accepting our sacrifice of praise. Strange how that shifts my mood….
Another odd thing…regardless of what’s on my mind, God uses his timeless words to speak to my situation.4 His words are so alive and fresh.5
And the prayer requests—every week they reveal how much we need God.6 Others desire that I pray for them—what an awesome opportunity and responsibility to have conversations with our Father.7
The rest of the week? The two hours I see God at Central are short compared to the rest of the hours and many ways I see him all week long.8
So why do I worship? Because when I look for him, I find him.9 And when I find him, how can I not worship?10
REALLY?
Look it up yourself!
1. Psalm 100:3; Rom. 11:33-36
2. Acts 17:28; Rom. 9:20
3. Psalm 98:4; Col. 3:16
4. Isaiah 55:11; Heb. 4:12
5. Isaiah 40:6-8; John 1:1,14
6. Psalm 62:5-8; Phil. 4:19
7. James 5:16; 1 Sam. 12:23
8. Psalm 145:1-3
9. Psalm 63:1-5; Jer. 29:12-1310. Matt. 28:9; John 20:28
Why I Don’t Worship
Okay, I admit it. Often on Sunday mornings, I’m just not in the mood to worship. And if I don’t feel it, there’s no point in faking it, right? But hey, it’s not my fault! I just can’t get into the music. Sometimes too slow. Sometimes too fast. And I don’t always like the style. So there goes my worship; what else is a guy to do? Isn’t that all worship is about—singing at church on Sunday?
I usually have a lot on my mind, too, so I can’t be expected to pay close attention. I’ve probably heard it all before anyhow. Same ol’ stories—how many times can you read the same book and expect to hear anything new?
And the prayer requests, well, I don’t usually know those people anyway. As long as the guy up front is praying, that’s good enough, right?
Oh, when I’m at home? Or at work during the week? What in the world does that have to do with worship?
Part II:
Why I Do Worship
Okay, I admit it. Often on Sunday mornings, I’m just not in the mood to worship. But what does my mood have to do with who God is?1 It’s not about me—it’s about him.2 So I share my “joyful noise” with the church, offering him music from our hearts.3 Tuning into the lyrics, I thank God that he’s among us, accepting our sacrifice of praise. Strange how that shifts my mood….
Another odd thing…regardless of what’s on my mind, God uses his timeless words to speak to my situation.4 His words are so alive and fresh.5
And the prayer requests—every week they reveal how much we need God.6 Others desire that I pray for them—what an awesome opportunity and responsibility to have conversations with our Father.7
The rest of the week? The two hours I see God at Central are short compared to the rest of the hours and many ways I see him all week long.8
So why do I worship? Because when I look for him, I find him.9 And when I find him, how can I not worship?10
REALLY?
Look it up yourself!
1. Psalm 100:3; Rom. 11:33-36
2. Acts 17:28; Rom. 9:20
3. Psalm 98:4; Col. 3:16
4. Isaiah 55:11; Heb. 4:12
5. Isaiah 40:6-8; John 1:1,14
6. Psalm 62:5-8; Phil. 4:19
7. James 5:16; 1 Sam. 12:23
8. Psalm 145:1-3
9. Psalm 63:1-5; Jer. 29:12-1310. Matt. 28:9; John 20:28
Week 1 Assignments (Worship)
WARNING! WARNING!
The suggestions below should be attempted only by professional believers (that’s YOU!), under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and are thus recommended to be undertaken at home/work.
TRY THESE:
1. Choose one day this week to consciously offer your daily routine to God. Do everything you do out of love for HIM. Bring him honor while communicating with co-workers, cooking meals for your family, answering the telephone. Be nice even when you don’t feel like it. See the difference it makes in your attitude!
2. Take 5 minutes each day this week to do nothing but thank God for who he is and what he’s done for you. Then choose a worship scripture to read and meditate on.
3. Prepare for worship with the church. Get organized on Saturday to eliminate the Sunday mad dash. On the drive in, examine your heart and pray with your family. Thank God for the privilege of worshiping with believers. Ask Him to help you bring him honor. Pray blessings on the leaders/teachers (by name, if possible) who will guide your thoughts. Commit to being attentive and participative. On the drive home, share ways that you encountered God.
4. Memorize me! “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” PSALM 34:1
The suggestions below should be attempted only by professional believers (that’s YOU!), under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and are thus recommended to be undertaken at home/work.
TRY THESE:
1. Choose one day this week to consciously offer your daily routine to God. Do everything you do out of love for HIM. Bring him honor while communicating with co-workers, cooking meals for your family, answering the telephone. Be nice even when you don’t feel like it. See the difference it makes in your attitude!
2. Take 5 minutes each day this week to do nothing but thank God for who he is and what he’s done for you. Then choose a worship scripture to read and meditate on.
3. Prepare for worship with the church. Get organized on Saturday to eliminate the Sunday mad dash. On the drive in, examine your heart and pray with your family. Thank God for the privilege of worshiping with believers. Ask Him to help you bring him honor. Pray blessings on the leaders/teachers (by name, if possible) who will guide your thoughts. Commit to being attentive and participative. On the drive home, share ways that you encountered God.
4. Memorize me! “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” PSALM 34:1
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