The Heart of Worship

Feb. 21/06 Thoughts from Ch. 13 - Worship that Pleases God

God wants all of me...nothing 1/2 hearted...all or nothing...

In reading this chapter from Rick Warren's, "The Puropse Driven Life", I was reminded about an amazing truth!

"Real worship happens when your spirit responds to God."

There is a common misunderstanding that true worship only occurs when we praise God through music. This is misleading.
The following story is taken from Warren's book. Popular worship leader from England, Matt Redman, shared how his pastor taught his church the real meaning of worship. To show that worship was more than music, he banned all singing in their services for a period of time while they learned to worship in other ways (ie., serving others, thanksgiving, offerings of money, etc...). By the end of that time, Matt had written the classic song "Heart of Worship"

I'll bring You more than a song,
because the song itself is not what you've required.
You search much deeper within
than the way things appear.
You're looking into my heart." (Matt Redman, 'Heart of Worship",
Kingsway's Thankyou Music, 1997).

"The best style of worship is the one that most authentically represents your love for God, based on the background and personality God gave you." (p. 102)

• God is pleased when our worship is accurate
*Worship God in truth as revealed though the Bible

• God is pleased when our worship is authentic
*Worship is your spirit responding to God's spirit.
*Be genuine & heartfelt
* It's about our attitude

• God is pleased when our worship is thoughtful
*Engage your mind - "love the Lord with all your mind"

• God is pleased when our worship is practical
*Live for God as living sacrifices

Don't be misled or discouraged when you see others worshipping God in different ways. God uniquely made you & how you respond in worshipping God is acceptable to Him.

Nostalgic Moment

Hualien Christian Centre

It was here in August 1996 that I would begin to forge a lasting friendship with my great friend, Emily. It was also during this missions trip to Asia that inspired me to want to teach abroad. En route back to Hualien, Emily happened to see it! We went in to take a look. Much remains the same, even after 10 years. The facility still acts as a seniors home & has a kindergarten addition. The chapel is still intact and in use. Funny coming across this place...

MOE Sharing & Training in Sansia

Feb. 6/06
Foreign English Teachers Project meet at the National
Academy for Educational Research in Sansia, Taipei County

Powerpoint presentation: Sharing about teaching & living
in Taiwan