Worship on Earth as it is In Heaven

November 29, 2011 by Lorn Gieck
Filed under Ministries, Music & Arts

I do my best to keep up with current ideas and struggles on the significance and meaning of worship. There are a lot of great worship theologians and worship leaders doing great things to approach the worship of the church both intentionally and thoughtfully. I’ve read several books by an experienced church musician named Rory Noland, but his recent book takes a unique approach, and presents to the church a unique challenge. The book is entitled Worship on Earth as it is in Heaven and in it he approaches the subject in a very personal way, exploring worship as a personal discipline.

As such it’s not a method book about how to make a better worship program. Rather, it speaks to how should I, or any individual believer, take seriously the spiritual practice of worship in our lives, and what are some ways in which we should put this into practice? So I’m going to use this and the next few upcoming blog posts to share some observations from his book about the formation of worship in an individual’s life.

The book is divided into two sections, and the first half treats personal or private worship, while the second tackles group, or congregational worship (such as the Sunday morning church gathering). He encourages us to look to King David as our model for private worship. And his first observation about the private life of David’s worship is that he made time with God a priority.

David understood that worship was important, and he made it a priority in how he ordered his life and the life of Israel. He appointed singers and instrumentalists and organized worship. He brought the Ark to Jerusalem, and made plans to build the temple. Never was there a king that not only in word, but also in practice, made the praise and glory of God a priority.

Psalms gives some examples of David’s call to worship the one true living God: “You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel” (Psalm 22:23); “Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord” (Psalm 135:1); “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6).

We see this focused energy in David’s life and a strong identification of himself with the worship of God. It motivated him, and gave direction to his life, and influenced all he did. As Rory Noland observes: “You can always discern your priorities, for better or for worse, by what angers you or stirs you, what frustrates you and what excites you. Honouring God was the utmost priority for David.”

David’s priority in His life was God, and so worshiping, bringing praise, honour and glory to God, were at the top of his list. I think it’s good for us to take a look at our priorities, and examine what is important to us. We are destined to join all the saints in worshiping God for eternity. Its significant to think about the connection of that eternal reality to our present life and witness.

Next time we’ll talk about making worship a habit.

Lorn Gieck
Associate Pastor of Music & Arts

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Christmas focus

November 24, 2011 by Jessica
Filed under Blog, Kids, Ministries

1 Comment

As we get into Christmas season I start to see (on facebook, twitter,blogs) and hear what people are busy doing, what they’re buying, or when they’re decorating etc. I can’t help but wonder where Christ fits into the picture. I have also heard stories of people trying to make Christ an important part of what they are doing, especially with their kids. Some people put up their nativity sets first and talk to their kids about why we celebrate Christmas. Whatever you currently do to bring the true meaning of Christmas to the forefront is great! However, why do we get frustrated when our kids act so selfish? Why, after we tell them the meaning of Christmas and the importance of what Christ did, do our kids continue to focus on what they want. Well, we are selfish beings. Kids are just openly vocal about it. Think about the amount of time you focus on the true meaning of Christmas and then how much time you spend decorating, shopping, visiting Santa, shopping online, more shopping…. it far outweighs the focus on Christ right? Also, how much money do we spend on our kids at Christmas? Are they getting what they want? Are they getting the coolest newest toy? That also sends a message.

I have heard two stories in the last week that encouraged me greatly.

The first one was of a friend of mine who was driving with her six year old. Her daughter was talking about how badly she wanted a barbie for Christmas and how sad it would be if she didn’t get a barbie. So her mom said to her ‘but what should we really be thinking about this Christmas?’ Her daughter got quiet… and said ‘ya mom, but I REALLY want a barbie.’ Her mom didn’t let up and the conversation went back and forth this way for awhile. Eventually her daughter flat out admitted ‘I know that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Christmas and we should think about that but I don’t want to think about that right now, I just want a barbie!’ You have to give her credit for her honesty.

The other story was my own 4 year old nephew. He was told as they were cleaning up toys before bed that he will have to give some toys away because he will probably get new ones for Christmas. However, he didn’t really like this idea. He said very firmly that he was not giving away any of his toys because he wanted to keep them all! He liked all his toys! He was then told that this was really not his decision, that he is very blessed to be given toys and so he can give toys to other children to make them happy too. It still wasn’t a popular idea but there was ‘no further discussion’ about it.

Teaching kids not to be self-centered is near impossible depending on where they’re at developmentally. However, if children this age are just given what they want and if parents cave to their selfish whims, this will affect them greatly as adults. If they are never challenged to think of others before themselves they will create habits of selfishness that last a lifetime. Naturally thinking about the least of these is tough. Absolutely. Our sinful nature says “but I want…” But I get excited when I hear stories like these because as frustrating as it is for the parents, they are teaching extremely valuable lessons. They are teaching that it isn’t about what I want, it’s about loving and caring for others. It is about taking the focus off of ourselves.

Sure there are things that we want. And we are blessed to be able to give gifts to our children. But teach them to look beyond themselves. To give back. To do something for others. To actually give as God has given to us.

So here are a few ideas to help you guide your children’s thinking beyond themselves:

1. Talk about it. If it’s not on your mind, it won’t be on theirs. As much as we want our kids to be better than we are… they are following in your footsteps.

2. Encourage your kids to make gifts for others. To really think about what someone would like and why.

3. Write letters to your sponsor children. Make them a card. Pray for them. Discuss what their Christmas might be like. If you packed a shoebox pray regularly for the child(ren) that will receive them.

4. Do an advent wreath or calendar. (I’m not talking about the Disney chocolate ones… but something Christ focused)

5. Limit the number of gifts, cut or limit your spending and/or buy gifts through the World Vision Catalogue (or Food for the Hungry etc)

6. Subscribe your kids to magazines such as Compassion Explorer (it’s free!) that get your kids thinking about other children around the world. Compassion also has a great website for kids called Quest for Compassion.

7. Take some of the Christmas cookies you make with your kids to Hands On Ministries.

8. Attend the candlelight service, and the Sunday morning service on the 25th as a family.

9. Encourage your kids to pick toys they have to give away. Not just the run down broken ones, but quality toys. Maybe even a favorite toy!

I have given you 9 ideas and I know it triggered more ideas in your own head! Try it. Depending on the age of your kids your new idea may not be overly popular. However, think about the life lessons you are teaching your kids by doing these things.