Proclaiming the Lord's Death

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Remembering Jesus Christ


1 Corinthians 11:23-33 (The Message)  ^23-26Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord's Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said,

   This is my body, broken for you.
   Do this to remember me.
After supper, he did the same thing with the cup:
   This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you.
   Each time you drink this cup, remember me.
What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt.
 ^27-28Anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Master irreverently is like part of the crowd that jeered and spit on him at his death. Is that the kind of "remembrance" you want to be part of? Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe.
 ^29-32If you give no thought (or worse, don't care) about the broken body of the Master when you eat and drink, you're running the risk of serious consequences. That's why so many of you even now are listless and sick, and others have gone to an early grave. If we get this straight now, we won't have to be straightened out later on. Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.
 ^33-34So, my friends, when you come together to the Lord's Table, be reverent and courteous with one another. If you're so hungry that you can't wait to be served, go home and get a sandwich. But by no means risk turning this Meal into an eating and drinking binge or a family squabble. It is a spiritual meal—a love feast.
   The other things you asked about, I'll respond to in person when I make my next visit.
.
For Reflection
Remember Jesus.  Remember Him, not just the figure on the cross.  Remember Him as he walked among us.  Remember Him as he healed the sick;  Remember Him as he befriended the outcast.  Remember the teacher.  Remember the transforming power of His touch.  Remember His words of comfort.  Remember His prayers.  Remember His resurrection.  Remember His promise of everlasting life.  Remember.

Pray
that you never forget the promise that is Jesus Christ.

Now Is the Day of Salvation

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Remembering Jesus Christ

2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (The Message)Staying at Our Post
 ^1-10Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us,
   I heard your call in the nick of time;
   The day you needed me, I was there to help.
Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

For Reflection
Paul calls for us to give in to the Living God -- to show up!
How many times have you approached the revelation of your transformed self apologetically?  This is not so much a condemnation of your Christian practice but an acknowledgment that even in our easy society which is relatively free from persecution, life confronts us, sometimes harshly.  Life in Christ is not easy. But Christ is with you to help you ease the pain and to urge you gently into righteousness.
Sit quietly for awhile.  Listen for Christ talk.

Pray
for the courage to show up.  Pray that you hear Christ's voice of comfort, praise and guidance.  Pray for the transforming power of God to pass the Grace into you and through you.  Pray for quiet patience to hear His answer.

Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Remembering Jesus Christ

Matthew 26:17-30 (The Message)

The Traitor

 ¹⁷On the first of the Days of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare your Passover meal?" ^18-19He said, "Enter the city. Go up to a certain man and say, 'The Teacher says, My time is near. I and my disciples plan to celebrate the Passover meal at your house.'" The disciples followed Jesus' instructions to the letter, and prepared the Passover meal.
 ^20-21After sunset, he and the Twelve were sitting around the table. During the meal, he said, "I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators."
 ²²They were stunned, and then began to ask, one after another, "It isn't me, is it, Master?"
 ^23-24Jesus answered, "The one who hands me over is someone I eat with daily, one who passes me food at the table. In one sense the Son of Man is entering into a way of treachery well-marked by the Scriptures—no surprises here. In another sense that man who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man—better never to have been born than do this!"
 ²⁵Then Judas, already turned traitor, said, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?"
   Jesus said, "Don't play games with me, Judas."

The Bread and the Cup

 ^26-29During the meal, Jesus took and blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to his disciples:

   Take, eat.
   This is my body.
Taking the cup and thanking God, he gave it to them:

   Drink this, all of you.
   This is my blood,
   God's new covenant poured out for many people
      for the forgiveness of sins.
"I'll not be drinking wine from this cup again until that new day when I'll drink with you in the kingdom of my Father." ³⁰They sang a hymn and went directly to Mount Olives.

For Reflection
Yet another part of the mystery that is Jesus Christ!  It has been believed that once consumed the elements of communion were transformed in our bodies to the actual flesh and blood of our Savior.  We are hard pressed to believe that today.  But What if it were true?  How would it change your concept of communion?  How would it affect your every day obedience to God's call?

I suspect that it is well enough that we share the cup with the living Christ in this world as a reminder of the new covenant available to all humanity.  Whether the sacrament is actual, figurative, or symbolic,  its meaning is clear.   Communion is a memorial before God, of the transforming sacrifice on the cross once and for all. Celebrate the New Day!

Pray
that each time you share the bread and drink from the cup you re-commit your life to the living Christ.  Pray that you embrace this sacrament not only to remember the sacrifice of the Holy One, but also, to confirm your transformation in the Kingdom of God.

Our Savior

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Remembering Jesus Christ

Titus 3:1-7 (The Message)

He Put Our Lives Together
 ^1-2Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God's people should be bighearted and courteous. ^3-8It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.

For Reflection
"...hated and hated back."  It's true, we are some times caught in the whirlpool of hate, a downward spiral of retaliation which engrosses us and rots the soul.  There is more to life than the agony of self-centeredness apart from God.

Who among us will break these death spirals?  Who will take the first radical step and have the courage to say, "It stops here, right now, with me?"   Now that you know the saving grace that is God in Jesus Christ, only you can stop.  Love is contagious.

Pray
for wisdom to break the downward spirals of sin.  Pray for the courage to fight the instinct for retaliation.  Pray to listen to God inside you.  Pray for the courage to reject self and embrace God-centered agape.

Worship Inspires Service

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Worship Inspires Service

1 Timothy 5:1-8, 5:17-22 (The Message)

The Family of Faith

 ^1-2Don't be harsh or impatient with an older man. Talk to him as you would your own father, and to the younger men as your brothers. Reverently honor an older woman as you would your mother, and the younger women as sisters. ^3-8Take care of widows who are destitute. If a widow has family members to take care of her, let them learn that religion begins at their own doorstep and that they should pay back with gratitude some of what they have received. This pleases God immensely. You can tell a legitimate widow by the way she has put all her hope in God, praying to him constantly for the needs of others as well as her own. But a widow who exploits people's emotions and pocketbooks—well, there's nothing to her. Tell these things to the people so that they will do the right thing in their extended family. Anyone who neglects to care for family members in need repudiates the faith. That's worse than refusing to believe in the first place.
 ^17-18Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching. Scripture tells us, "Don't muzzle a working ox" and "A worker deserves his pay."
 ¹⁹Don't listen to a complaint against a leader that isn't backed up by two or three responsible witnesses.
 ²⁰If anyone falls into sin, call that person on the carpet. Those who are inclined that way will know right off they can't get by with it.
 ^21-23God and Jesus and angels all back me up in these instructions. Carry them out without favoritism, without taking sides. Don't appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily. If a person is involved in some serious sins, you don't want to become an unwitting accomplice. In any event, keep a close check on yourself. And don't worry too much about what the critics will say. Go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it's good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you.

For Reflection
Not all who request assistance are in need of assistance.  But for those who are truly in need, give freely.  Jumping to hasty conclusions and listening with out question rumors of misdeeds leads to sin.  Not acknowledging good work is rude and counter productive.  Enjoy life, even a little wine.  Some will fall to sin.  Help them up.

Pray
that you will listen to God's guidance to live an honorable and admirable life.  Pray that you will guide others to dot he same.

Assisting Widows

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Worship Inspires Service

1 Timothy 5:9-16 (The Message)
 ^9-10Sign some widows up for the special ministry of offering assistance. They will in turn receive support from the church. They must be over sixty, married only once, and have a reputation for helping out with children, strangers, tired Christians, the hurt and troubled.
 ^11-15Don't put young widows on this list. No sooner will they get on than they'll want to get off, obsessed with wanting to get a husband rather than serving Christ in this way. By breaking their word, they're liable to go from bad to worse, frittering away their days on empty talk, gossip, and trivialities. No, I'd rather the young widows go ahead and get married in the first place, have children, manage their homes, and not give critics any foothold for finding fault. Some of them have already left and gone after Satan.
 ¹⁶Any Christian woman who has widows in her family is responsible for them. They shouldn't be dumped on the church. The church has its hands full already with widows who need help.

For Reflection
Well now isn't that interesting!  In those days losing a husband was losing everything.  There was no doubt that they needed assistance.  The question was, "what kind of assistance and who should provide it?" Think about the characteristics of the widow ministers.  What kind of job description would you write for them?  Why does age matter?  Why married only once?  What characterizes their qualities as a helping person?
Putting a younger woman in a position that she might mass guilt by failing in the eyes of God is a worse way of helping.  The need to a part of a household is so powerful that it replaces the prime motive, serving God. Young widows are not to be condemned but, rather, encouraged to find fulfilling lives in more appropriate directions.   Who are the widow's in your life?  What is the difference between enabling them and helping them?

Pray
for divine guidance in your helping relationships.  Pray for wisdom that shuns judgment.  Pray for insight that helps others discover their gifts and rejoice in them.

A Widow's Gift

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders

Mark 12:41-44 (The Message)
 ^41-44Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all."

For Reflection
What is your two cents worth?  Have you given extravagantly to the mission of the Lord?  Have you sacrificed your self completely?

Pray
that you rise above your old self and embrace the new you.  Pray to explore the extreme regions of the new you.  Pray that you will recognize the Christ in you and listen to His gentle encouragement.

Served by the Master

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Worship Inspires Service

Luke 12:35-40 (The Message)

When the Master Shows Up

 ^35-38"Keep your shirts on; keep the lights on! Be like house servants waiting for their master to come back from his honeymoon, awake and ready to open the door when he arrives and knocks. Lucky the servants whom the master finds on watch! He'll put on an apron, sit them at the table, and serve them a meal, sharing his wedding feast with them. It doesn't matter what time of the night he arrives; they're awake—and so blessed! ^39-40"You know that if the house owner had known what night the burglar was coming, he wouldn't have stayed out late and left the place unlocked. So don't you be slovenly and careless. Just when you don't expect him, the Son of Man will show up."

For Reflection
We are an impatient people.  In this modern age, our ability to wait patiently is undermined by all of our means for instant gratification.  Today waiting, even for a single second, for a web page to load becomes aggravating.  Driven by fear, and a compelling desire to be confirmed in our service to the Lord, we loose patience and assume the worst.  How little confidence we have in our faith.  That He will serve us should not be questioned.  Time is not relevant.  Relax and keep on keepin' on!

Pray
that the knowledge that God will serve you be sufficient to warrant an unfailing confidence in your faith.  Pray so that you displace doubt with service to the living God.  Pray that when He shows up you will recognize the signs of his arrival.

Chosen to Serve

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Worship Inspires Service

Acts 6:1-6 (The Message)

The Word of God Prospered

 ^1-4 During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—"Hellenists"—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, "It wouldn't be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we'll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we'll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God's Word."  ^5-6The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—

   Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,
   Philip,
   Procorus,
   Nicanor,
   Timon,
   Parmenas,
   Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.
Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task

For Reflection 

There it is again, that laying on of hands.  Is it just a sign of the granting of authority to act on behalf of the Christians or for that matter God?  Prayer commends them to God.  Laying on of hands not only passes authority but also the grace of God.  Could it be that these seven, of high repute, chosen by peers to act on behalf of the believers, commissioned to act with authority some how, miraculously, with the laying on of hands, become the conduits for the grace of God?  Is there something mysterious about the practice that extends beyond the obvious confirmation?

Pray
for all those who serve in the name of the Lord.  Pray for the grace of God to flow through you and wash over those whom you serve in His name. Pray for opportunities to encourage justice.

Taught and Led by God

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Prepare for Leadership

Psalm 25:1-10 (The Message)

A David Psalm

 ^1-2 My head is high, God, held high; I'm looking to you, God;
   No hangdog skulking for me.

 ³ I've thrown in my lot with you;
   You won't embarrass me, will you?
   Or let my enemies get the best of me?    Don't embarrass any of us
   Who went out on a limb for you.
   It's the traitors who should be humiliated.

 ⁴ Show me how you work, God;
   School me in your ways.

 ⁵ Take me by the hand;
   Lead me down the path of truth.
   You are my Savior, aren't you?

 ⁶ Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God;
   Rebuild the ancient landmarks!

 ⁷ Forget that I sowed wild oats;
   Mark me with your sign of love.
   Plan only the best for me, God!

 ⁸ God is fair and just;
   He corrects the misdirected,
   Sends them in the right direction.

 ⁹ He gives the rejects his hand,
   And leads them step-by-step.

 ¹⁰ From now on every road you travel
   Will take you to God.
   Follow the Covenant signs;
   Read the charted directions.

For Reflection

Who is a leader in God's Kingdom?  All who believe in Him.

What does it take?  Complete sacrifice of self so that one is born anew.  Trust in one's spiritual transformation.

Pray
a prayer based upon the first seven lines of this passage.   Believe deeply.

God's Words in Your Heart

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Prepare for Leadership

Deuteronomy 11:13-21 (The Message)

 ^13-15 From now on if you listen obediently to the commandments that I am commanding you today, love God, your God, and serve him with everything you have within you, he'll take charge of sending the rain at the right time, both autumn and spring rains, so that you'll be able to harvest your grain, your grapes, your olives. He'll make sure there's plenty of grass for your animals. You'll have plenty to eat.
 ^16-17 But be vigilant, lest you be seduced away and end up serving and worshiping other gods and God erupts in anger and shuts down Heaven so there's no rain and nothing grows in the fields, and in no time at all you're starved out—not a trace of you left on the good land that God is giving you.
 ^18-21 Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you'll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth.

For Reflection
How can I say this?  God will provide! Serve God. Don't worry about the outcomes.  Just trust and give 100%.  Live in the hollow of God's hand with complete confidence that He will provide for you.  He will not only enable your role in his plan, but also He will see to it that you will not want for those things you need. Become a leader by becoming immersed in the Way and letting others know.

Pray
for the strength to have supreme confidence in the Lord.  Pray that you will not be lulled into deviating doubt.  Pray that you will find the Spirit moving through you and listen to God's instruction.

Trustworthy Service

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Prepare for Leadership


Luke 19:12-23 (The Message)
 ^12-13"There was once a man descended from a royal house who needed to make a long trip back to headquarters to get authorization for his rule and then return. But first he called ten servants together, gave them each a sum of money, and instructed them, 'Operate with this until I return.'
 ¹⁴"But the citizens there hated him. So they sent a commission with a signed petition to oppose his rule: 'We don't want this man to rule us.'
 ¹⁵"When he came back bringing the authorization of his rule, he called those ten servants to whom he had given the money to find out how they had done.
 ¹⁶"The first said, 'Master, I doubled your money.'
 ¹⁷"He said, 'Good servant! Great work! Because you've been trustworthy in this small job, I'm making you governor of ten towns.'
 ¹⁸"The second said, 'Master, I made a fifty percent profit on your money.'
 ¹⁹"He said, 'I'm putting you in charge of five towns.'
 ^20-21"The next servant said, 'Master, here's your money safe and sound. I kept it hidden in the cellar. To tell you the truth, I was a little afraid. I know you have high standards and hate sloppiness, and don't suffer fools gladly.'
 ^22-23"He said, 'You're right that I don't suffer fools gladly—and you've acted the fool! Why didn't you at least invest the money in securities so I would have gotten a little interest on it?'

For Reflection 

Nothing was lost in the transaction with the last servant, but then. nothing was gained.  It turns out that the last servant not only lost the trust of his master, but he also lost his money as it was distributed to the first servant.  What have you done lately to multiply the value of the gifts God has given you?  How much risk in His name have you taken?

Pray

prayers of thanksgiving for the gifts God has given you.  Pray that you use those gifts wisely to the glory of God in the advance of His kingdom.

Stand Firm in the Lord

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Prepare for Leadership


Philippians 3:17-4:1 (The Message)
 ^17-19Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
 ^20-21But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

Philippians 4

 ¹ My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.

For Reflection

There are so many versions of Christianity and so many competing religious traditions.  The question that we face is similar to the question assumed in this letter to the Philippians.  The way of the cross is not easy.  It involves personal sacrifice, a sacrifice once given brings great joy, comfort and peace in the midst of conflict and chaos.  It is easy to loose one's way.  Stay on track.. Focus on the Lord, Jesus Christ, read the scriptures, and above all, pray.

Pray
to keep a keen eye steady on the way of the Lord.  Pray for trust in the face of challenges.  Pray that you will avoid being sucked into the easy life as a substitute for the truth.

Qualifications of Church Leaders

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders

1 Timothy 3:1-13 (The Message)

Leadership in the Church

 ^1-7If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he's talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap. ^8-13The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: serious, not deceitful, not too free with the bottle, not in it for what they can get out of it. They must be reverent before the mystery of the faith, not using their position to try to run things. Let them prove themselves first. If they show they can do it, take them on. No exceptions are to be made for women—same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued, not overfond of wine. Servants in the church are to be committed to their spouses, attentive to their own children, and diligent in looking after their own affairs. Those who do this servant work will come to be highly respected, a real credit to this Jesus-faith.

For Reflection
How would the spiritual leaders in your life measure up to these standards?  What about what the leaders believe?  What about their talent as a leader, preacher, or minister to the congregation?

Pray
for the Church.  Pray that the church leaders heed the Spirit of the Living God.  Pray that they sustain their commitment and do not become discouraged.  Pray that the people to whom they minister will be open to the grace of God which flows through church leaders.

Obey Your Leaders

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders


Hebrews 13:17-25 (The Message)
¹⁷Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?
 ^18-21Pray for us. We have no doubts about what we're doing or why, but it's hard going and we need your prayers. All we care about is living well before God. Pray that we may be together soon.

   May God, who puts all things together,
      makes all things whole,
   Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
      the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
   Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
      up and alive from the dead,
   Now put you together, provide you
      with everything you need to please him,
   Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
      by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
   All glory to Jesus forever and always!
      Oh, yes, yes, yes.
 ^22-23Friends, please take what I've written most seriously. I've kept this as brief as possible; I haven't piled on a lot of extras. You'll be glad to know that Timothy has been let out of prison. If he leaves soon, I'll come with him and get to see you myself.
 ²⁴Say hello to your pastoral leaders and all the congregations. Everyone here in Italy wants to be remembered to you.
 ²⁵Grace be with you, every one.

For Reflection
The early church struggled with the new religion.  How does one reconcile this new way of thinking and acting with the context of his or her former life?  Obedience to the changed life style as the church leaders understood it was and perhaps still is essential.  How far can one stray from the practice of Christianity before the practice can not longer be considered Christian.  Who judges the difference?

Pray
that you remain true to the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.  Pray that those who lead in the name of Christ are truely righteous.  Pray that you can recognize the Grace of God in Church leaders.

Imitate Your Leader's Faith

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders

Hebrews 13:1-7 (The Message)

Jesus Doesn't Change

 ^1-4Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.  ^5-6Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,

   God is there, ready to help;
   I'm fearless no matter what.
   Who or what can get to me?
 ^7-8Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn't change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself.


For ReflectionWherever you find an effective leader you will find committed followers.  Read today's passage carefully.  To what extent do you practice identifying with others?  How does materialism influence your faith?  How confident are you in God's promises?  Remember leaders can lead only to the extent followers give them the power to do so.

Pray
for the ability to become a righteous follower.  Pray that you can recognize someone that has a heart for God.  Pray to become a nurturing follower of Jesus Christ.

Leading God's People Astray

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders

Isaiah 9:13-17 (The Message)
 ^13-17But the people paid no mind to him who hit them,
   didn't seek God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
So God hacked off Israel's head and tail,
   palm branch and reed, both on the same day.
The big-head elders were the head,
   the lying prophets were the tail.
Those who were supposed to lead this people
   led them down blind alleys,
And those who followed the leaders
   ended up lost and confused.
That's why the Master lost interest in the young men,
   had no feeling for their orphans and widows.
All of them were godless and evil,
   talking filth and folly.
And even after that, he was still angry,
   his fist still raised, ready to hit them again.


For Reflection
 I have been following a television show called "The Good Wife."  One of the teen age children has been attracted to Christianity and has been trying to find what that may mean by visiting a young charismatic on-line "minister."  He is so tied up in the call for justice that he is missing the central message of Christianity.  He calls for open rebellion and violence if necessary.  In doing this he not only corrupts the meaning of Jesus ministry but falls into the same extreme jihad mentality so feared in today's radical Islam.

Anger should not replace love.  What standard do you use to judge the truthfulness of those who would claim to know the Lord?

Tending the Flock of God

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders


1 Peter 5:1-5 (The Message)
He'll Promote You at the Right Time ^1-3 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
 ^4-5When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—

   God has had it with the proud,
   But takes delight in just plain people.


For Reflection
To have at one's command the Holy Spirit gives one a sense of authority, power and fate control over those one leads.  A church leader often sees him or her self as the one in charge, forgetting whom he or she is working for.  Some leaders think that they have to have or already possess all the answers.  That their role is one of authority, telling other believers what to do.  Ever-present is the possibility that this false sense of power and control will be corrupting.

The reward for church leadership is to share the suffering and the pain of others, not to inflict it.  The reward for church leadership is to be offered the opportunity to help others to see God in a new light;  to participate in their joy and to see them grow into Grace.  The reward of church leadership is to participate in the world changing transformation possible in the Kingdom of God.

Pray
for all church leaders.  Pray that they understand the nurturing role they play.  Pray that you will be able to help lead believers into a deeper more powerful understanding of what it means to walk with God.

Instructions on Prayer

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders
(The Message)
Luke 11:1-13

Ask for What You Need

 ¹ One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, "Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." ^2-4So he said, "When you pray, say,

   Father,
   Reveal who you are.
   Set the world right.
   Keep us alive with three square meals.
   Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
   Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil." ^5-6Then he said, "Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don't have a thing on hand.'
 ⁷"The friend answers from his bed, 'Don't bother me. The door's locked; my children are all down for the night; I can't get up to give you anything.'
 ⁸"But let me tell you, even if he won't get up because he's a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he'll finally get up and get you whatever you need.
 ⁹"Here's what I'm saying:

   Ask and you'll get;
   Seek and you'll find;
   Knock and the door will open.
 ^10-13"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"


For Reflection
Address the Lord in humility. Decide who you are and confirm that to Him.  Ask for intersession.  Know that He will provide physical and spiritual fulfillment of your needs.  Have confidence that He will keep you safe.  Believe the good news, ask, seek and knock and you will receive.  Avoid conditional requests.  You don't need to strike bargains with God.  You merely have to trust and have courage to be patient.  Look for the Father's hand.  You will see it.

Pray
about who you are.  Reveal to God you inner most fears.  Ask Him to help you.  Pray that you will be patient and confident that He will answer.

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders

Hebrews 13:1-7 (The Message)

Jesus Doesn't Change

 ^1-4Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.  ^5-6Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,

   God is there, ready to help;
   I'm fearless no matter what.
   Who or what can get to me?
 ^7-8Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn't change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself.


For Reflection
Wherever you find an effective leader you will find comitted followers.  Read today's passage carefully.  To what extent do you practice identifying with others?  How does materialism influence your faith?  How confident are you in God's promises?  Remember leaders can lead only to the extent followers give them the power to do so.

Pray
for the ability to become a righteous follower.  Pray that you can recognize someone that has a heart for God.  Pray to become a nurturing follower of Jesus Christ.

The Spirit's Intersession

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders

Romans 8:22-27 (The Message)
 ^22-25All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
 ^26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.


For Reflection
We are children of God.  All of us, not just Christians, were made in the image of God.  Believe that is so and rely on the Spirit within you.  Have patience and look and listen.   God will provide literally all that you need to sustain you.  Not all that you want.  Rather all that you need.  If you let God, all in your life will work for good.  Deny self and trust in the Holy Spirit.

Pray
so that you will feel the Lord's presence.  Pray so that you will recognize the Lord's hand in your life and be comforted.  Pray so that the Lord can sustain you.

Prayer and Supplication

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders

Ephesians 6:18-24 (The Message)
 ^13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
 ^19-20And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.
 ^21-22Tychicus, my good friend here, will tell you what I'm doing and how things are going with me. He is certainly a dependable servant of the Master! I've sent him not only to tell you about us but to cheer you on in your faith.
 ^23-24Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.


For Reflection
It seems to me that whether we know it or not we are always up against more than we can handle on our own.  Why do we insist that it is all on us?  Only as a last resort many of us supplicate our God.  Nothing wrong with supplications, but ask sooner!  In order to ride the Kingdom train, one has to buy a ticket.  The cost of the ticket is complete trust in God and confidence in Him to help make things right.

Pray
prayers of supplication, of intercession and thanksgiving.  Pray long and hard so that you strengthen your resolve to trust unflinchingly and unconditionally on God.

Worship and Thanksgiving.

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders

Psalm 95:1-7 (The Message)
    Come, let's shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
   Let's march into his presence singing praises,
      lifting the rafters with our hymns!
 ^3-5 And why? Because God is the best,
      High King over all the gods.
   In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,
      in the other hand grasps the high mountains.
   He made Ocean—he owns it!
      His hands sculpted Earth!
 ^6-7 So come, let us worship: bow before him,
      on your knees before God, who made us!
   Oh yes, he's our God,
      and we're the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.

 ^7-11 Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks:
      "Don't turn a deaf ear as in the Bitter Uprising,
   As on the day of the Wilderness Test,
      when your ancestors turned and put me to the test.
   For forty years they watched me at work among them,
      as over and over they tried my patience.
   And I was provoked—oh, was I provoked!
      'Can't they keep their minds on God for five minutes?
      Do they simply refuse to walk down my road?'
   Exasperated, I exploded,
      'They'll never get where they're headed,


For Reflection
Once one has realized how God has influenced his life, how could he or she not shout praises and prayers of thanksgiving?  How long does it take you to feel the presence of God?  How often do you forget what has been done for you?  How often do you become exasperated when your plans go astray?  How long does it take you to forget that God is with you?

Pray
that you are in tune with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Pray for patience.  Pray for trust that never has to ask, "Are you there Lord?"  Pray that you listen an look for God's help in all that you do.