Worshipful Thoughts

While we were in Mexico, we heard of a church that places a very high emphasis on worship. They have no outreach programs but have grown from 17 to 4000 people. The pastor of the church explains it this way, "If 17 people go into the street and look up, what do those who are around them do?" I know the answer to this one. When our youth group visited New York years ago we would look up and watch with mischievous amusement as passers-by did the same.

I can't help believe that if we let the Spirit examine our lives, worship our Father in holiness and lift Christ up that He will draw others to Himself. Let the worship begin. Not only in a church service but all the time as the Psalmist encourages us.

“It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night…” Psalm 92:1-2

“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” Psalm 63:4,6

“They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.” Psalm 89:16

“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” Psalm 34:1

“Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” Psalm 96:2

Speaking of worship, who are the Charles Wesleys, Fanny Crosbys, Isaac Watts and Ira Sankeys that give expression to our worship today? You will find people like Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech, Robin Mark, and David Crowder writing and leading the way for our generation.

Matt Redman has written a book on worship called Facedown in which he challenges us, "When we face up to the glory of God, we soon find ourselves facedown in worship...When we catch a vision of the whole Christ, it commands a response from the very depths of our being...It is worship with a price, a living sacrifice.”

Cathedral Cafe in Fayetteville

Above Left: Cross inside Gatlinburg UMC
Top: Colorado during our May visit last year