Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

What Makes 'Time With Jesus' Worth It?

I have a challenging set of questions for you today. What makes ‘time with Jesus’ worth it for you?

  • Is it the fact that you can sit down and get a breather from an over-crowded lifestyle?
  • Is it so you can get a blog post out of it?
  • Is it so you can impress someone with your knowledge?
  • Is it so you can feel better about yourself?
  • Is it so you can interact with all your Twitter friends?

I’m not saying any of these things are bad. But I find myself (all too often) spending time with Jesus with my blog open and Tweetdeck staring me down. It’s almost like if I don’t get some important piece of revelation than my ‘time with Jesus’ was a waste.

I want to return to the beauty of loving Jesus and spending time with Jesus for WHO He is. The revelation He gives me isn’t a means to impress others or advance my career, but to stay rooted in holiness and exclusive passion for Him.

Time with Jesus is worth it every time because I…am…with…Jesus.

"You Alone Can Rescue" – Matt Redman

This song brings me to tears every time I hear it. Probably because I’m so undeserving. Oh the beauty of the grace of God.

“Our shame was deeper than the sea. Your grace is deeper still.”

Don’t be too consumed with petty things today. Let the miracle of your salvation cause you to stand in awe of God.

When Was the Last Time I…

Do you struggle with pride? I already know the answer to that question. But your response to that question will determine how prideful you are.

As ministers, we are in the public eye. When you’re in the public eye, it’s easy to think highly of yourself, especially when compliments are flowing.

Consider this verse:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).

As God increases our public platforms, I believe we need to be continually humbling ourselves before Him. The greater the platform, the greater humility is needed to handle the praise of man.

How do you humble yourself? Ask (what I like the call) the WWLT questions (bracelet, anyone?):

  • When was the last time I had a conversation about someone else, with no reference to my own accomplishments?
  • When was the last time I spent an hour in private worship?
  • When was the last time I thanked God for His indescribable grace and for saving ‘a wretch like me’?
  • When was the last time I confessed my sins to a trusted friend?
  • When was the last time I personally responded to an altar call?
  • When was the last time I visited a sick person in the hospital just to be with them?
  • When was the last time I blessed someone financially?
  • When was the last time I prayed for someone else, instead of being consumed by my own needs?
  • When was the last time I was moved to tears while reading Scripture?
  • When was the last time I listened to my spouse with undivided attention?
  • When was the last time I personally served someone else’s ministry?
  • When was the last time I shared the Gospel with a non-Christian?
  • When was the last time I talked about Jesus with my Christian friends?

O God, make me a humble servant of your glory, honor, and fame.

DS

Songwriter Stagnation

Ever go through long periods of not writing anything? And even when you try it is so terrible that you feel you have lost your songwriting gift? Out of desperation you listen a top 40 song and and copy its form. Still, it sucks.

Been there?

I want to encourage you songwriters here for a few moments. That is absolutely normal. Consider these songwriting helps. They may just save you from prolonged songwriter stagnation:

  • Lots of bad songs need to be written before you ever write a truly good one.
  • Don’t try and write a hit song. Just pour out your heart. Make sure what you are saying is worth saying anyway.
  • Go for a walk (away from people) and sing melodies apart from your musical instrument. Believe me, it works.
  • Listen to a musical style that you aren’t naturally inclined to. Try and mimic the chord progressions. It will stretch you out of your current ‘box’.
  • Go buy Future of Forestry music. Get inspired.
  • Co-write with someone who is better than you. Learn how they work.
  • Read this great book. Not just for worship leaders, by the way.
  • Take time to pray. Ask God to clarify what He is doing in your heart.
  • Journal. Write for the purpose of getting your heart on page, not for a song.
  • Learn a new instrument (I want a banjo and a ukelele and anything else I don’t currently own). Sometimes new tones can inspire new songs.
  • Do a spontaneity session. Play your instrument. Sing random melodies out of the Psalms or whatever. Persevere with this and don’t give up when it’s terrible.
  • Ask trusted professionals to critique your work. Honestly. Take to heart what they say.
  • Be fully present in the ‘moment’. Don’t be stuck in the past and overly concerned with the future. Learn from the circumstances, people, and places you are currently in. The best songs come from people who are fully present in the ‘now’.