Worship Planned For God's Pleasure


Revelation (4:11)
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Psalm (149:4)
For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

The moment you were born into the world, God was there as an unseen witness, smiling at your birth. He wanted you alive, and your arrival gave him great pleasure.
God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment. You exist for his benefit, his glory, his purpose and his delight. Bringing enjoyment to God, living for his pleasure, is the first purpose of your life'. When you fully understand this truth , you will never again have a problem with feeling insignificant. It proves your worth. If you are that important to God, and he considers you valuable enough to keep with him for eternity, what greater significance could you have? You are a child of God, and you bring pleasure to God like nothing else he has ever created.

One of the greatest gifts God has given you is the ability to enjoy pleasure.
He wired you with five senses and emotions so you can experience it. He wants you to enjoy life, not just endure it. The reason you are able to enjoy pleasure is that God made you in his image.
We often forget that God has emotions, too. He feels things very deeply.
The Bible tells us that God grieves, gets jealous, and angry, feels compassion, pity, sorrow, and sympathy as well as happiness, gladness, and satisfaction. God loves, delights, gets pleasure, rejoices, enjoys, and laughs!

How we bring pleasure to God is called "worship."
Anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship. Like a diamond, worship is multifaceted. Anthropologists have noted that worship is a universal urge, hard-wired by God into the very fiber of our being--an inbuilt need to connect with God. Worship is as natural as eating or breathing. If we fail to Worship God, we always find a substitute, even if it ends up being ourselves. The reason God made us with this desire is that he desires worshippers! Jesus said the Father seeks worshippers."

Depending on your religious background, you may need to expand your understanding of "worship". You may think of church services with singing, praying, and listing to a sermon. Or you may think of ceremonies, candles, and communion. Or healing, miracles, and ecstatic experiences. Worship can include these elements, but worship  is far more than these expressions.
Worship is a lifestyle. Worship is far more than music. For many people, worship is just synonym for music. They say, "At our church we have the worship first, then the teaching." This is a big misunderstanding. Every part of a church service is worship: praying, Scripture reading, singing, confession, silence, being still, listening, taking notes, giving an offering, baptism, communion, signing a commitment card, and even greeting other worshippers.
Actually worship predates music. Adam worshiped in the Garden of Eden, but music isn't mentioned until Genesis (4:21) with the birth of Jubal. If worship were just music, then all who are non musical could never worship'. Worship is so much more than music.

What's worse is that, "worship" is often misused to refer to a particular style of music: "First we sang a hymn, then a praise and worship song." Or, "I like the fast paced songs but enjoy the slow worship songs the most." (I'm guilty of this.") In this usage I have learnt that if a song is fast or loud or uses brass instruments, it's considered "praise."
But if it's slow and quiet and intimate, maybe accompanied by guitar, that's worship.
This is a common misuse of the term "worship".
Worship has nothing to do with the style or volume or speed of a song. God loves all kinds of music because he invented it all--fast and slow, loud and soft, old and new. You probably don't like it all, but God does! If it is offered to God in spirit and truth, it is an act of worship.

As a pastor I receive messages, saying I loved the worship service today. I got a lot out of it." This is another misconception about worship. It isn't for our benefit! We worship for God's benefit. When we worship, our goal is to bring pleasure to God, not ourselves. Our motive is to bring glory and pleasure to our Creator.

Reverend William Bowers

Stress

Psalm (27:3)
Though an army besieged me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

Do you need strength, Peace, Wisdom? Direction? Discipline? Whatever your need is, ask for it. God will surely hear you.
Stress runs rampart today. Our competitive, compact, complex world takes it's toll on our minds, spirits, and bodies, leaving us burned out, run over, worn down. Sometimes an emotional explosion is enough to relieve the building pressure; a burst of honest anger can restore perspective. Sometimes all you need is a nice, long vacation-a chance to get away from it all, with no phones, pagers, or other strings attached.
But sometimes the problem is deeper. Have you come to that point where head aches with the sound of your own grinding gears and your eyes burn with the smoke of your own emotional wires?

Do you feel your own strength being sapped and your energy drained by each new problem, each new day? Are you swept up in a whirlwind that's out of control, awash in fierce waves that can swallow you whole?

Psalm (31:10)
My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning's; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.

Psalm (29:11)
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm (107:28-30)
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

It's always something. Prescription medicines, The mortgage payment, School uniforms, Groceries, Utility bills, Credit card payments, Christmas gifts, Car tires, Etc.

How does anyone keep on giving and living when life's demands keep wringing you dry? How much tighter can you tighten your belt? How much harder can you pinch a penny? How much more can you take?

God does care about all this daily stuff that keeps on piling up on us.
He's not to busy or important to be bothered. Talk to him. Ask for his help. Tell him what you need. And then trust him to provide.

Job (3:26)
I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil."

Psalm (3:3-6)
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me from every side.

James (1:17)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

One of the most important questions we can ask when some unforeseen tragedy brings us pain and suffering is whom will we permit it to serve-God or the devil?
Will it cause us to become alive in wisdom or paralyzed by bitterness?

Job (2:10)
He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"

Ecclesiastes (5:18-20)
Then he realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labour under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-for this is his lot.

After looking at the way things are on this earth, here's what I've decided is the best way to live. Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever you have (work etc.) for as long as God gives you life". That's the human lot'. Yes we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in it (work etc.) It's God gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It's useless to brood over how long we might live.

Reverend William Bowers

Ordinary People

We're all ordinary people, hoping that our lives will count for something in the end.
Isn't that what most of us are - ordinary people? We're not superhero's, not colorful, charismatic leaders. Just plain you and me. Isn't it true that we all really want to know that we've made a difference? That the world is maybe just a little bit different, a little bit better, because we were here?

Take Ezra for example: Here is the man for us. A true man of the word. A man with passion. A man with a heart for God. A man who walked hand in hand with God.
He made a difference in his day, as an instrument of revival, as not only a hearer but also a doer of the Word, as one who lived what he believed and taught.

In every great movement there are always great people involved. Within the ranks of those great people there also seems to be at least two types. Type "A" people would be those who are the greatest lights-people who are up front, strong hearted visionary, the leader-types - people who have what it takes to capture the big picture and to rally others around a cause.

Then there are type "B" folks who work behind the scenes-and who are just as important, just as crucial. They're often the quiet, lesser lights. They are the ones who are usually contemplative and studios. Often they are people of detail and scholarship. They never seem to get any of the public attention and applause, but they are just as important as the greater lights.
Ezra was one of those quiet "B" type personality's who served God at one of the most vulnerable periods in Jewish history.

Ezra was one who layed the constitutional foundation of the future and instituting system of the synagogue worship so closely akin to our style today. His passion for God's Word still inspires me today, particularly if it is true as some believe that he wrote Psalm (119)-the greatest of all the Psalms about the Word of God.
Some of you are called to be Ezra's of this day. You may not have a great deal of public charisma. You may not have the qualities necessary to be a person in an up-front type of ministry. But don't misunderstand your role. Don't belittle what you can do-and don't be discouraged. The Ezra's of our day are absolutely essential!

Remember that God often works through the unbelievers to accomplish His Will. He is God, and He can use whomever He wants to use whenever He wants to use them!
And yes my dear fellow brothers and sisters that includes you!

Reverend William Bowers

We Are All One In Christ

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians (3:28). Could that also be interpreted nor gay', nor straight?

Having accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and relying on him alone for justification and salvation, they become the sons of God. But no outward forms or profession can secure these blessings; for if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. In baptism we put on Christ; therein we profess to be his disciples. Being baptized into Christ, we are baptized into his death, that as he died and rose again, so we should die unto sin, and walk in newness and holiness of life. The putting on of Christ according to the gospel, consists not in outward imitation, but in a new birth, an entire change. He who makes believers to be heirs, will provide for them. Therefore our care must be to do the duties that belong to us, and all other cares we must cast upon God. And our special care must be for heaven; the things of this life are but trifles. The city of God in heaven, is the portion or child's part. Seek to be sure of that above all things. Could it also mean we are all one? Of one universal love in Christ?

In this book of Galatians, it is a testimony that affirms Christian liberty, an inspired echo that resounds with three monosyllabic words: "you are free...you are free...you are free." It so forcefully and pointedly answers the question "are we saved by believing or achieving ?" This grabs legalism so firmly by the throat! We all need to attain the fruits of the spirit' Galatians (5:23). The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. The greatest of these being what we all want "love". 

Love is the virtue of brotherly and sacrificial love. It is a love that seeks the good of others. Paul’s order of placement, as well as his other use of the word tells us that it is the greatest of the fruits. 1 Corinthians (13); Ephesians (5:2); Colossians (3:14). love is one of the greatest features of the kingdom of God. Love is a spiritual anchor of truth in relationship with God and neighbor. This love is a distinctly Christian love, which finds its source from God alone. Because of this kind of love God sent his only Son to die for us. The Holy Spirit is hard at work to reproduce this kind of love in each one of us. We are to show this kind of selfless love to one another and to the world.

So therefore brothers and sisters, encourage one another in the family of God to become mature. Because Jesus Christ has set us free, we dare not imprison one another behind legalistic bars of our own opinions, traditions or personal preferences.

We all witness the battle between the Spirit versus the flesh. We've all experienced the difference! With the flesh in control there is comparison and struggles, agitation, irritation, force and offence. With the Spirit there is release and relief, deep satisfaction,   

joy that lasts, love that isn't fickle, peace that isn't fleeting. 

Reverend William Bowers

Divine Providence 

Ezekiel

(18:26-27)

We must not assume our intuition is always right. We must not make lasting decisions based on limited insights. For our success in life will be adversely affected by prejudice, fear and any form of discrimination we allow to color our thinking. Jesus never determined a person's worth based on their race, gender, financial status or appearance. When Peter, who struggled with prejudice, was called to introduce the gospel to the first group of Gentiles, he had to acknowledge, 'I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.' That day God dealt with some of Peter's deep-seated biases. And He will deal with yours too! If 'God so loved the world' but you don't, how can you claim to be 'godly'?

We need to have sensitivity to God. In a good marriage two people often understand each other's needs without a word needing to be spoken. The time they've spent together makes them aware of the things that enrich and the things that offend, and their devotion to one another makes their marriage a top priority. And it's the same in your relationship with God. We need to surrender to God's will. The key to breaking stubborn habits is not fighting them in your own strength. That only keeps your focus on the problem, intensifying its power. Changing our focus and submitting to God moment by moment is the key to winning, whether it's a problem or a hang-up. 'Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God' 2 Corinthians (3:5) We need to submit to God's purposes. To understand the difference between submission and selfishness you must ponder these words: 'So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain' Ezekiel (33:31).

God wants to be number one in your life! When He's not, things won't work out right for you. Instead of asking God to bless your agenda, ask Him to give you an agenda He can bless. Jesus was able to say yes to one thing and no to another because He understood God's agenda for the day. Can you point to a single stressed-out or confused moment in Christ's life? No, when conflict arose He said, 'I always do what pleases Him'. That's because He took time to consult His Father. How long are you going to allow yourself to be pulled in 101 different directions? Nothing will change until you decide to give God what He requires - your 'first fruits'. Don't give Him the part of your day when you're worn out, can't think straight and can hardly keep your eyes open; give Him the best part of your day. That's where your true priorities will be discovered. From getting dressed to setting your schedule, ask Him to help you make choices that glorify Him. As you become more and more aware of His presence, it'll be impossible to 'compartmentalize' Him. Ordinary events will become sacred events because He's involved in them. Ask Him to direct you in the choices you make and to empower you for the jobs you need to get done. Keep Him first in everything you set out to do, and He will show you the path that leads to peace. Following the moment-by-moment leadership of the Holy Spirit will cause you to enjoy every day of your life.

Reverend William Bowers

1

Be Who You Are In God's Releasing Grace

I saw in my pastor whom mentored me; something I had not seen modeled in many pastors an authentic life. He was just who he was. I saw it work.

I saw a man who was not defensive, who could laugh at himself, who had fun in life and yet was as good a thinker on his feet in question/answer sessions as I’d ever seen.
I saw a man who could love the homosexual and at the same time do an excellent biblical presentation on the sin of homosexuality.
I saw a man who had a room in his life for a wayward child. I saw a man who hardly traveled alone, no matter where he went, and always had someone younger with him. One of the secrets of building character in the lives of others is taking time for those younger than you. Those who are longing for the qualities and the character that have made you who you are.
No matter how significant you may become, no matter how well known your name, no matter how important your work, no matter your salary, no matter what your reputation may be, you must allow yourself to become who you are.

Know who you are, accept who you are, be who you are.

The greatest gift you can give to your congregation, to your family, to whomever-as the Lord continues to work in your life-is who you are. I have a good friend who says it this way, “We are not who we are, we are not even who we think we are. We are who we think other people think we are.” And if you’re in that world no wonder you have such struggles with character!
Character will not emerge from a phony life, which is all the more reason to go back to that word that so characterized my pastors life: authentic.

Know who you are, accept who you are, be who you are. That’s really it in a nutshell.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

You may be surprised to know that the apostle Paul had every reason to feel ashamed. He was one whose past was dreadful: "formerly a blasphemer, persecutor, violent aggressor." Then how could the same man write, "I am not ashamed" 2 Timothy (1:12)? He gives us the answer here in 1 Timothy (1:14): Grace was more than abundant. Blasphemy had abounded in his past, but grace super abounded. Violence and brutality had abounded, but grace super abounded.

What if it read "divorcee"? What if it read "homosexual"? What if it read "addict"? I realize it reads "blasphemer, persecutor, aggressor." But what if it read "prostitute" or "ex-con" or "financial failure" or "murderer"? In a grace-awakened ministry, none of those things in the past are allowed to hold those people in bondage. They are released, forgiven, and the believer is allowed to go on to a new life in Christ.

Grace releases people, not only from sin but from shame. Do you do that in your ministry? Or do you make a note of those things and keep reminding yourself when that particular name comes up: "Well, you know, you'd better watch her" or, "You've got to watch him." Do you give people reasons to feel greater shame? Who knows what battles of shame most folks struggle with? It is enormous.

Reverend William Bowers

Being Careful What You Think

Proverbs (4:23)

Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

"For many years I lived according to my feelings. It was like riding a roller coaster; one day laughing and feeling good, the next crying, and feeling sorry for myself.
I was being tormented and controlled. I needed emotional maturity, but needed God's help to attain it. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing your fickle feelings more than what God says in His Word. And it will take a constant act on your behalf, your will to choose to do things His way instead of your own. But when you do, you'll discover that life is more enjoyable when you're living according to God's plan.

Just as you don't let everybody who knocks at your door come in and make themselves at home, don't let every emotion that surfaces dictate the direction of your day of decide your responses. Remember your thoughts run your life', so capture every thought and make it obey Christ". If your thoughts don't line up with God's Word-don't think it. Paul says, "We walk by faith not by sight, because you won't always feel God's presence. 

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart' 1 Samuel (16:9). It's like a mirror; it shows you the condition of your heart at any given moment. So, how's your heart today? What kind of thoughts are you entertaining? Are you constantly comparing and resenting? Do you get easily upset? When you hear gossip do you silence it or spread it? Jesus said, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God' Matthew (5:8). In other words, when you start to see things God's way you'll act accordingly. If the water in the well is polluted it will make you sick. Indeed, if you drink enough, it can kill you.
 What's the point? Simply this: It's not enough to try to change your bad thoughts; you've got to go to the heart of your problem-which is the problem of your heart! The Psalmist realised this so he prayed, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me' Psalms (51:10). If you want God to prosper you, get your heart right.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." The depth and breadth of His mind is so great we will never be able to fully grasp it in this lifetime. Isaiah (55:9).

Reverend William Bowers