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WHAT
IS
WORSHIP?
written
by Johanna Hobrath
[02/04/05
to 02/25/05]
When
God gives subjects to this writer, I often will acknowledge that
other more qualified writers may express a written article in a more profound
manner. On the other hand, I do believe that God may use anyone because
you or I have experiences that are characteristic to the individual. I
am thankful to share the writings that God has placed upon my heart.
The
prerequisite to worship is: "But
without faith it is impossible to
please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him." [Hebrews 11:6]
The
dictionary describes worship as: "The adoration, homage, or
veneration (reverence) given to a deity."
I
cannot tell you how to worship; however, I am delighted to share what God by
His Spirit places upon my heart about "Worship”.
Order
in the Church
Scripture
tells us: "Let all
things be done decently and in order." [I Corinthians 14:40]
Think
for a moment -- you enter a church and there is no one there to lead the
worship session. Could the entire congregation conduct the worship
service by themselves? I doubt it. The Bible tells us that in the
church there are: "...apostles,
prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healings, helps, governments,
diversities of tongue." [I Corinthians 12:28]
Furthermore
the Holy Spirit not only blesses certain types of churches, I believe God’s
presence is everywhere. The Bible tells us from I
Corinthians 12:28
that within the church you have numerous talents and/or abilities. In Ephesians
4:12 we read: "For
the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ:"
A
worship leader is usually delegated or hired by the leaders of the church.
If you or I were to stand in front of a congregation, most likely the pattern
or selection of choruses would be altogether different. The main focus
upon the worship service should be the fact that the Holy Spirit anoints the
types of songs/choruses that will touch the hearts of people.
Of
course people are human and are not as yet like the saints in Heaven.
However, the Bible tells me to strive to be more like Jesus every day. [I
Peter 2:21] Remember
that each household is run in diverse manners. Also, churches are
conducted in diverse manners.
Worship
Within the Atmosphere of a Congregation: A
combined, God-centered worship atmosphere within a congregation is a powerful
way to bring adoration to a Holy God. During worship, God looks upon the
people from the balcony of Heaven -- or theologically stated, "from
the Throne of Heaven." [Hebrews 1:8]
The
Manner of Worship:
The manner
of worship may vary:
1)
Some people may stand still and worship quietly from the heart.
2)
Some people will raise their hands and worship God from their heart.
3)
Others may be offended when someone raises their hands and worships God from
their heart.
4)
Etc.
Personally,
I don’t plan to offend anyone; however, when I worship God, I count it a
privilege to raise my hands toward Heaven and, therefore, giving
acknowledgement of worshiping God from the heart.
Types
of Worship:
Praise, Adoration, Thanksgiving, Petitions, Etc.
On
February 4, 2005 I saw an advertisement from the television screen.
Several Worship CD’s were advertised. My heart related 100+ percent to
a few of the phrases of worship that were advertised.
A
few of the “Worship Songs/Choruses” that reach my heart and soul are:
*
"Come, Now Is The Time To Worship"
*
“Our Father”
*
“You Are Worthy”
*
“We Just Want to Thank You, Lord”
*
“He Looked Beyond Our Faults”
*
“Open the Eyes of my Heart”
*
“Sing to the East and the West”
*
Etc.
There
is a soul-searching in many of the Worship Choruses. However, the
age-old hymns have a deep, spiritual substance that were written by age-old
saints. Do you suppose God honors those age-old hymns? Certainly
God does honor those hymns! Don’t forget, they were written by the
saints of God that have experienced the true depth of God’s Divine unction
and/or anointing. I
PRAY THAT GOD CONTINUE TO POUR HIS SPIRIT UPON CONGREGATIONS THAT TRULY WANT
THE PURE ANOINTING THAT FLOWS FROM HEAVEN!
Recently
(February 2005) I spoke with a long-time Christian. I do not believe
that gossip - whether over the telephone and/or in person - brings any type of
blessing to one’s soul. This person, as already stated, is a long-time
Christian and shared so beautifully that she and her husband attended a church
that has a powerful worship style. Etc. This dear believer
expressed her belief that she really could be in tune with the worship time of
that church. The worship service began with a precious, age-old hymn.
And, then, the congregation was brought into the atmosphere of worship.
Numerous, beautiful choruses were sung, and the awesome, wonderful anointed
power of God swept over the congregation during that style of worship.
Is
this to say that God’s Spirit is only functioning when the worship service
is conducted in the correct manner? Of course, not!
A
few of the beautiful selected songs, that I cherish, are as follows:
*
"When the Role is Called Up Yonder"
*
"All to Jesus I Surrender"
*
"I am Thine O Lord"
*
"There is a Fountain"
*
"Rock of Ages"
Isaiah
17:7 states: "At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his
eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel."
Worship
at Home?
The
Bible assumes that the husband is "the priest of the home."
What does that indicate? [Ephesians
5:23] Simply stated:
The husband takes the spiritual leadership of the home. This does not
indicate that the wife takes the second lead within the area of spirituality.
[Galatians 3:28]
When
we study Scripture, we will see that in the Old Testament that Deborah was a
prophetess.
According
to the KJV of the "Full
Life STUDY BIBLE - An International
Study Bible for
Spirit-Filled Christians",
the major themes of the Old Testament Prophets were:
"1.
The Nature of God"
"2.
Sin and Repentance"
"3.
Prediction and Messianic Hope"
During
a four-year, in-depth Bible Study, I studied from several books and/or audio
tapes. One of the books is entitled "Wilmington’s
GUIDE to the BIBLE, VOLUME I, OLD TESTAMENT" A
portion of "THE
JUDGES STAGE"
reads:
THE
JUDGES STAGE
"In
those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right
in his own eyes" [Judges 17:6]
"D.
Fourth judge: Barak [as helped by Deborah,
Judges 4-5]
"At
this time Israel was judged by a woman whose name was Deborah
[4:4,5]. She
informed Israel’s army commander, a man named Barak, that God had chosen him
to mobilize 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. He was
then to lead them to Mt. Tabor and do battle with Sisera [4:6,7].
"At
his insistence, Deborah agrees to go with him, but warns him that the honor of
conquering Sisera will not be credited to him, but to another woman [4:8,9].
"Barak
leads his 10,000 men down the slopes of Mt. Tabor and, through God’s
intervention, totally routs and defeats Sisera [4:14,15].
"The
land then was to enjoy rest for forty years [5:31].
Barak is later included in
the New Testament hall of fame [Hebrews
11:32]. This
fifth chapter of Judges is the third great song of praise in the Bible thus
far. The other two are Exodus
15 and Deuteronomy 32."
Regarding
“Spirituality” between the husband and the wife, all too often the husband
is working all day, the wife is conducting the household chores; and, of
course, when the children need guidance, it will be the mother’s job to see
that the children are brought up "in the fear of the Lord." In
other words, the children are taught the right way of day-to-day conduct and
"the things of the Lord" as outlined in God’s Word.
There
is no doubt that the immediate family is to flourish at home. Problems
do arise within the family units. The problems may be of various
importance; such as: monetary needs, health issues, relative disagreements,
etc. Is any family perfect? However, in crisis situation, those
needs may be brought to the foot of the cross. During those "Prayer
Times" wisdom may be given from the Throne of Heaven. Or, during
those "Prayer Times", the "peace
of God that passes all understanding"
[Philippians 4:7]
may be derived until the need is answered.
Much
has been said about "Worship" within the church.
"Worship" need not be confined to the church building. In
order to draw closer to the God of Heaven, the worship at home (your place of
prayer) will expand the understanding of Almighty God through Jesus Christ and
the Holy Spirit.
When
dwelling upon the majestic presence of God, a person will want to worship God
in the style that speaks of reading His Word, dwelling in the presence of God
through prayer, listening to Christian music, or thanking God while performing
chores. All these aforementioned spiritual deeds may bring a person
closer to the majestic presence of a Holy God.
During
the week of February 13, 2005, I received a number of prayer requests.
Naturally, those prayer requests brought a sadness to my heart.
Scripture tells me: "Rejoice
with them that do rejoice, and weep
with them that weep."
[Romans 12:15] I pray and
bring those petitions to the Lord. Also, those petitions may be shared
with other believers.
On
February 20th, I had the opportunity to attend an adult Sunday School class.
I brought a portion of the prayer requests to the class. A person from
the Sunday School class brought my prayer request to the Lord. Included
in the man‘s prayer that morning were other dire needs, and those combined
needs were brought to the Throne of Heaven. We are to pray for other
people. Scripture tells us: "...
Pray one for another, etc." [James 5:16].
Private
praying may also include a "Portion of Worship" that will bring you
into the Holy Presence of God. And, then, during those times you may
bring other needs to the Lord while dwelling in His Presence.
When
our lives on earth are done, we will continue to understand and expand on the "Total
Aspect of Worship" within the realm of the
Glorious Eternity; and that, my friends, will be "FOREVER"!
P.S.
This article is not intended to step on anyone’s toes. When I get to
Heaven, it will be a privilege to join the group of saints that worship God.
I know that in Heaven there will be much to do. Just being in Heaven
will give the opportunity to see the beauty of the places that do not compare
to earthly charms. To "Worship" in Heaven will be a task that
I will enjoy because it glorifies the Trinity - God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Holy Spirit. Will you worship with me in Heaven?
