Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
I suppose I too was a victim of the busyness of the season. Sitting down to write a post was quite a challenge. And so, at the very end of the year, armed with my new iPad, and using free wifi of SMNorth, I write a quick post to leave you dear readers and followers of this blog a wish for a more active worship life both individual and corporate.
This afternoon, our community holds it's last Praise and Worship this year. A thanksgiving for the many blessings the Good Lord has accorded us. Come join us at 5pm at the Heritage. (www.lords flock.org). See you!
HAPPY NEW YEAR Worshipers!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
An Invitation
Christmas is fast approaching. In 23 days we will celebrate God's love and God's goodness to us by the birth of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son.
We will receive a lot of invitation to parties, get-togethers, reunions, etc. Getting an invitation makes you feel important and valued. Your presence is appreciated. The number of invitations swell at this time of the year. And one finds conflicts and even makes hard decisions on which invitations to accept.
Some invitations though are hard to resist especially if the host is one important person.
I remember the first time I was invited to our Mancom parties in the office. I could not believe it, I had to confirm with the Boss' secretary if she did not make a mistake of sending me an invite. Indeed I was invited. And so I went and even bagged the biggest prize that night, that is my first iPod. It was not the raffle that made me come but the feeling of belonging to a group of people who are valued for being part of the management team of the company. The prize was just a bonus.
Some invitations though need some thinking. When you don't know who are the guests, or when you don't know what to expect, or when you don't really know the host, or when you feel you don't have the right dress, or when you think you don't have the right gift, or some other reason. You may RSVP with outright regrets, or maybe next time.
In July 1999, I received this kind of invitation. The invitation was unclear, just a seminar, she said. But when she said, Lord's Flock, I knew it was something religious and I knew I wasn't ready. I was living sinfully with booze, barkada, smoking, and even had a crush on one guy. I said I wasn't ready to go 180 degrees. But the invitation was persistent in coming -- monthly. And there was something unique with this invitation because something was blocking my attendance. In early August, my Lolo died, I had to go home to the province. Come September, a strong storm came we could not get out of the building. October, Sis Yolly forgot to remind me, though I remembered the seminar was always the 2nd weekend. But came November, Sis Yolly reminded me the first week. And it was time to go. The excitement was so strong, I made the jeepney I was riding to stop a block away from the corner where I was supposed to go down. I came early enough, my ID was #001.
That party was the turning point in my life. The Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar or CLSS of the Lord's Flock, let me know the host of the party, our God, though I did not see him right away. There was an orientation on why I was invited, and even taught us how to sing and dance at the party. They told us there would be more preparatory parties after that and even promised the ultimate party wherein we will be clothed with white garments and come to face to face with the host.
And later I learned, that the ticket to these parties were paid with a great price: the blood of the host's Son, by the name of Jesus Christ. He died for us on the cross that all who believed in His Death and Resurrection may die and rise with Him.
And know what, I even received a gift. The Holy Spirit. He promised "you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you," (Acts 1:8 NAB). This gift He planted in my heart to start the work of salvation and transformation until I am made perfect for the ultimate party. The community also taught us to read the love letter of the host, a thick book called the Bible where all the instructions and promises of God are written that while here on earth and even before we are called to the ultimate party we may enjoy the benefits of being invitees to this great party.
Life was never the same again. Booze, barkada, smoking were all gone. Admiration for cute guys was still there like a thorn on the side like St.Paul's. But I knew my identity which was, that God made me male and so for a female. I embraced this and eight years after, the Lord gave me my partner, a beautiful sister dentist by the name of Peachy. And now we are awaiting our first child. I am proposing to my wife to call him Emmanuel, for truly God is with us.
I am extending you now the same invitation. Come join the Spirit Empowerment Seminar (formely Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar) at the Lords Flock Catholic Charismatic Community's Heritage Worship and Spiritual Formation Center, 5 Catanduanes St., (near corner Del Monte and West Ave), Quezon City. Dec 11 and 12, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm-9pm. Come as you are. Sinners welcome. Free Admission, your ticket has been paid.
Worship Song of the Day
The heavens declare
The glory of God
And all of the world
Will join the praise
His wonders proclaim
The oceans and skies
Lift up their voice
And all all He has made
Will rise to bless
The King of all kings.
Let us adore Him
Let us adore Him
Jeus Christ is the Lord
Come and behold Him
Bow down before Him
Jesus Christ is the Lord
Eternity's King
Is coming again
Though all of the earth
Will fade away
His truth will remain
(Let us Adore Him - Hillsong United)
We will receive a lot of invitation to parties, get-togethers, reunions, etc. Getting an invitation makes you feel important and valued. Your presence is appreciated. The number of invitations swell at this time of the year. And one finds conflicts and even makes hard decisions on which invitations to accept.
Some invitations though are hard to resist especially if the host is one important person.
I remember the first time I was invited to our Mancom parties in the office. I could not believe it, I had to confirm with the Boss' secretary if she did not make a mistake of sending me an invite. Indeed I was invited. And so I went and even bagged the biggest prize that night, that is my first iPod. It was not the raffle that made me come but the feeling of belonging to a group of people who are valued for being part of the management team of the company. The prize was just a bonus.
Some invitations though need some thinking. When you don't know who are the guests, or when you don't know what to expect, or when you don't really know the host, or when you feel you don't have the right dress, or when you think you don't have the right gift, or some other reason. You may RSVP with outright regrets, or maybe next time.
In July 1999, I received this kind of invitation. The invitation was unclear, just a seminar, she said. But when she said, Lord's Flock, I knew it was something religious and I knew I wasn't ready. I was living sinfully with booze, barkada, smoking, and even had a crush on one guy. I said I wasn't ready to go 180 degrees. But the invitation was persistent in coming -- monthly. And there was something unique with this invitation because something was blocking my attendance. In early August, my Lolo died, I had to go home to the province. Come September, a strong storm came we could not get out of the building. October, Sis Yolly forgot to remind me, though I remembered the seminar was always the 2nd weekend. But came November, Sis Yolly reminded me the first week. And it was time to go. The excitement was so strong, I made the jeepney I was riding to stop a block away from the corner where I was supposed to go down. I came early enough, my ID was #001.
That party was the turning point in my life. The Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar or CLSS of the Lord's Flock, let me know the host of the party, our God, though I did not see him right away. There was an orientation on why I was invited, and even taught us how to sing and dance at the party. They told us there would be more preparatory parties after that and even promised the ultimate party wherein we will be clothed with white garments and come to face to face with the host.
And later I learned, that the ticket to these parties were paid with a great price: the blood of the host's Son, by the name of Jesus Christ. He died for us on the cross that all who believed in His Death and Resurrection may die and rise with Him.
And know what, I even received a gift. The Holy Spirit. He promised "you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you," (Acts 1:8 NAB). This gift He planted in my heart to start the work of salvation and transformation until I am made perfect for the ultimate party. The community also taught us to read the love letter of the host, a thick book called the Bible where all the instructions and promises of God are written that while here on earth and even before we are called to the ultimate party we may enjoy the benefits of being invitees to this great party.
Life was never the same again. Booze, barkada, smoking were all gone. Admiration for cute guys was still there like a thorn on the side like St.Paul's. But I knew my identity which was, that God made me male and so for a female. I embraced this and eight years after, the Lord gave me my partner, a beautiful sister dentist by the name of Peachy. And now we are awaiting our first child. I am proposing to my wife to call him Emmanuel, for truly God is with us.
I am extending you now the same invitation. Come join the Spirit Empowerment Seminar (formely Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar) at the Lords Flock Catholic Charismatic Community's Heritage Worship and Spiritual Formation Center, 5 Catanduanes St., (near corner Del Monte and West Ave), Quezon City. Dec 11 and 12, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm-9pm. Come as you are. Sinners welcome. Free Admission, your ticket has been paid.
Worship Song of the Day
The heavens declare
The glory of God
And all of the world
Will join the praise
His wonders proclaim
The oceans and skies
Lift up their voice
And all all He has made
Will rise to bless
The King of all kings.
Let us adore Him
Let us adore Him
Jeus Christ is the Lord
Come and behold Him
Bow down before Him
Jesus Christ is the Lord
Eternity's King
Is coming again
Though all of the earth
Will fade away
His truth will remain
(Let us Adore Him - Hillsong United)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Nov 19, 2010 Praise and Worship
As a service, I will be sharing the line-ups of the songs we sing in the Lords Flock Growth Series on Wednesdays and Praise and Worship on Fridays.
Here are the songs we sung last night in the Lord's Flock General Assembly. Bro. Ronald Tapia led the worship.
The Lord Reigns (Gateway Worship)
My Savior Lives (New Life Worship)
Nothing is Impossible (Planet Shakers)
The Wonder of Your Love (Hillsongs)
Beautiful Savior (Planet Shakers)
Just google them for lyrics.
Would you like this blog to share their video links in youtube?
Here are the songs we sung last night in the Lord's Flock General Assembly. Bro. Ronald Tapia led the worship.
The Lord Reigns (Gateway Worship)
My Savior Lives (New Life Worship)
Nothing is Impossible (Planet Shakers)
The Wonder of Your Love (Hillsongs)
Beautiful Savior (Planet Shakers)
Just google them for lyrics.
Would you like this blog to share their video links in youtube?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
How it all started
Last Nov 14 was my 11th Spiritual Birthday.
I still recall that day I encountered the Lord. It was the third day of the Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar (CLSS) of The Lord's Flock Community. The past two days of hearing the Word of God from great speakers has already made me excited. Add to it the fact that I had nothing to lose because I had nothing.
Prior to coming to this seminar, I was already at the lowest and darkest moments of my life. Five months prior, I resigned from my second job and found myself risking my daily sustainance on a sales job. I was dependent on the generosity of cousins who was sheltering and feeding me and my sister while I was trying to close my first real estate sale. How did I come to that situation being a UP Diliman graduate and prior to that, Philippine Science High School scholar?
My relationship with my family was far from ideal, not stranged but somehow I felt that I was at the losing end. I was not hitting their expectations, nor them hitting mine.
Besides being unstable financially, I was emotionally unstable. I had been combatting an identity crisis for half of my life then. I felt unloved and unwanted. The friends and clicques I have surrounded myself came and went. The smoke, booze and strobe lights that shone with them have all faded. The nights spent at the videokes a waste.
I had nothing. And in that nothingness I gained everything when I found myself surrendering my self, my life and my being to the Lord Jesus Christ. I surrendered 100%. I gained salvation, eternal life, an Advocate and a promise of full and abundant life. I gained a new family. I gained back my family. I gained back my true self.
The veil was lifted up. The light of Christ drove all the darkness in my life. I was standing on Solid Rock. He completed me by filling all the emptiness in my life. The smile on my face could not be erased for hours!
Thanks to my parents for a solid Catholic background which sustained me in those tumultous years until I found myself again on God's side. Thanks to Sis. Yolly Miemban who invited me to the seminar, for five months of patiently inviting and praying for me. Thanks to the community who led me in growing spiritually.
All glory, praise and thanksgiving to God who loved and saved me.
Worship Song of the Day
Jesus, Lover of my soul
Jesus, I will never let you go
You've taken me from the miry clay
You've set my feet upon the Rock
And now I know
I love you, I need you
Though my world may fall
I'll never let you go
My Savior, my closest friend
I will worship You until the very end
(Jesus, Lover of my Soul - Hillsongs)
I still recall that day I encountered the Lord. It was the third day of the Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar (CLSS) of The Lord's Flock Community. The past two days of hearing the Word of God from great speakers has already made me excited. Add to it the fact that I had nothing to lose because I had nothing.
Prior to coming to this seminar, I was already at the lowest and darkest moments of my life. Five months prior, I resigned from my second job and found myself risking my daily sustainance on a sales job. I was dependent on the generosity of cousins who was sheltering and feeding me and my sister while I was trying to close my first real estate sale. How did I come to that situation being a UP Diliman graduate and prior to that, Philippine Science High School scholar?
My relationship with my family was far from ideal, not stranged but somehow I felt that I was at the losing end. I was not hitting their expectations, nor them hitting mine.
Besides being unstable financially, I was emotionally unstable. I had been combatting an identity crisis for half of my life then. I felt unloved and unwanted. The friends and clicques I have surrounded myself came and went. The smoke, booze and strobe lights that shone with them have all faded. The nights spent at the videokes a waste.
I had nothing. And in that nothingness I gained everything when I found myself surrendering my self, my life and my being to the Lord Jesus Christ. I surrendered 100%. I gained salvation, eternal life, an Advocate and a promise of full and abundant life. I gained a new family. I gained back my family. I gained back my true self.
The veil was lifted up. The light of Christ drove all the darkness in my life. I was standing on Solid Rock. He completed me by filling all the emptiness in my life. The smile on my face could not be erased for hours!
Thanks to my parents for a solid Catholic background which sustained me in those tumultous years until I found myself again on God's side. Thanks to Sis. Yolly Miemban who invited me to the seminar, for five months of patiently inviting and praying for me. Thanks to the community who led me in growing spiritually.
All glory, praise and thanksgiving to God who loved and saved me.
Worship Song of the Day
Jesus, Lover of my soul
Jesus, I will never let you go
You've taken me from the miry clay
You've set my feet upon the Rock
And now I know
I love you, I need you
Though my world may fall
I'll never let you go
My Savior, my closest friend
I will worship You until the very end
(Jesus, Lover of my Soul - Hillsongs)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Praise Leading Tonight
Tonight, I am assigned to lead the joyful singing and opening prayer for our Growth Series.
I think it was in 2002 when I was first assigned to lead joyful singing in the Equipping the Saints Seminar. And it was a surprise assignment, 5 minutes before the start of the seminar. I did not know what to do so I turned to the word of God, James 1:5 for wisdom and to the mighty Spirit to lead me for I knew not what to say. The same perfect resignation to the leading of the Spirit is still the best way for me to lead worship until now. That is why when I am asked to lead worship, anytime, I am confident that I can always turn to the Spirit to lead me.
Over the years of leading worship, I have learned a few more things that makes one more effective.
One is sanctification. Days before the assignment, I keep myself sanctified, being faithful in prayers, reading scriptures, aware of temptations and sin.
Second is preparation. Spiritual preparation takes many forms. Prayers, private worship, Eucharist, visit to the blessed sacrament. The key is to have been where you want to bring the congregation later on. Technical preparation is identifying the songs to use. I get the theme from the Lord during my prayer time or when a scripture or devotional strikes a chord in my heart. Then I get the proper songs for them. Physical preparation is simply proper grooming and hygiene.
Third is readiness to surrender to the Spirit. Just as how I have always likened worship to a visit to the river. You must jump into the river and let it bring you to places unimagined. You cannot be a spectator.
Tonight, I pray the Spirit will again do wonders in the hearts of the congregation, centering mind, body and soul on Jesus and preparing them for the teaching.
Worship Song of the Day
I will stand and worship You
for everything You are to me
I will lift my voice in praise
for all the wonders You display
I will stand,
I will stand and worship You
(I Will Stand - New Life Worship)
I think it was in 2002 when I was first assigned to lead joyful singing in the Equipping the Saints Seminar. And it was a surprise assignment, 5 minutes before the start of the seminar. I did not know what to do so I turned to the word of God, James 1:5 for wisdom and to the mighty Spirit to lead me for I knew not what to say. The same perfect resignation to the leading of the Spirit is still the best way for me to lead worship until now. That is why when I am asked to lead worship, anytime, I am confident that I can always turn to the Spirit to lead me.
Over the years of leading worship, I have learned a few more things that makes one more effective.
One is sanctification. Days before the assignment, I keep myself sanctified, being faithful in prayers, reading scriptures, aware of temptations and sin.
Second is preparation. Spiritual preparation takes many forms. Prayers, private worship, Eucharist, visit to the blessed sacrament. The key is to have been where you want to bring the congregation later on. Technical preparation is identifying the songs to use. I get the theme from the Lord during my prayer time or when a scripture or devotional strikes a chord in my heart. Then I get the proper songs for them. Physical preparation is simply proper grooming and hygiene.
Third is readiness to surrender to the Spirit. Just as how I have always likened worship to a visit to the river. You must jump into the river and let it bring you to places unimagined. You cannot be a spectator.
Tonight, I pray the Spirit will again do wonders in the hearts of the congregation, centering mind, body and soul on Jesus and preparing them for the teaching.
Worship Song of the Day
I will stand and worship You
for everything You are to me
I will lift my voice in praise
for all the wonders You display
I will stand,
I will stand and worship You
(I Will Stand - New Life Worship)
Friday, November 5, 2010
Gotta go!
Praise and worship na!
The Lord’s Flock
Heritage Worship and Spiritual Formation Center
5 Catanduanes St., (near cor. West Ave and Del Monte Ave)
Paltok, QuezonCity
Every Friday, 7:30pm. Habol na!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
How I Worship
John 4:23-24 (NAB) "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth."
This word is my guide in cultivating my worship life. Our Elders taught us that our worship life consists of personal worship and the communal worship. Personal worship is one-on-one with God, communal worship is me joining fellow Christians in worshiping God. And a vibrant communal worship is an overflow of a vibrant personal worship. You cannot do without any of these two. You have to have both.
In both occasions my objective in worship is to touch the heart of God, that is being in the Holy of Holies. Being in holy ground is not enough, parang kulang, parang bitin. Worship is an action, and does require exertion of force. Be it in the force of your voice, lifting of your hand, raising your head, or dancing, I must know whether I am exerting my best effort. I cannot be a passive worshiper both in personal and communal worship. I cannot be a spectator but a participant as the Spirit leads me in worship.
Worshiping God in Truth, is knowing Him. Knowing your Creator, your Savior and your Advocate. Having had the grace to read the whole Bible in my early years of following Christ made a lot of difference. Attending the weekly Growth Series, Prayer Meetings and Harvest and Disciple Formation Classes made me closer in knowledge to my God in truth. Awareness of His active involvement in my life increases that knowledge experientially. Reading inspired scriptures, meditations of saints and scholars catalyzed knowledge of my one true God.
Worshiping in Spirit is total dependence on His leading. I was ready for surprises. I almost always begin my prayers with, "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thine faithful. Enkindle in me the fire of Your love. Let your light shine upon me and the whole world that Your glory may be seen. Come Holy Spirit and renew the face of the Earth. Lord, send forth your Spirit and I shall be renewed. Come Holy Spirit and teach me to pray/worship." Total dependence is total obedience to His prompting: the song to sing, when to raise my hands and how high, when to dance, when to lie prostrate, when to kneel, where to sit and when to stop. Oh, the best experience was when the Spirit led me into the recesses of the heart of God, that envelope of peacefully, joyfully, loving thumping heart of God.
Worship is a lifestyle. You need to invest on it, maintain it and live it to the fullest. But that's for another post.
Worship Song of the Day:
I wanna sit at Your feet
Drink from the cup in Your hands
Lay back against you and breathe
Feel your heart beat.
This love is so deep
It's more than I can stand
I melt in your peace...
(The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe)
This word is my guide in cultivating my worship life. Our Elders taught us that our worship life consists of personal worship and the communal worship. Personal worship is one-on-one with God, communal worship is me joining fellow Christians in worshiping God. And a vibrant communal worship is an overflow of a vibrant personal worship. You cannot do without any of these two. You have to have both.
In both occasions my objective in worship is to touch the heart of God, that is being in the Holy of Holies. Being in holy ground is not enough, parang kulang, parang bitin. Worship is an action, and does require exertion of force. Be it in the force of your voice, lifting of your hand, raising your head, or dancing, I must know whether I am exerting my best effort. I cannot be a passive worshiper both in personal and communal worship. I cannot be a spectator but a participant as the Spirit leads me in worship.
Worshiping God in Truth, is knowing Him. Knowing your Creator, your Savior and your Advocate. Having had the grace to read the whole Bible in my early years of following Christ made a lot of difference. Attending the weekly Growth Series, Prayer Meetings and Harvest and Disciple Formation Classes made me closer in knowledge to my God in truth. Awareness of His active involvement in my life increases that knowledge experientially. Reading inspired scriptures, meditations of saints and scholars catalyzed knowledge of my one true God.
Worshiping in Spirit is total dependence on His leading. I was ready for surprises. I almost always begin my prayers with, "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thine faithful. Enkindle in me the fire of Your love. Let your light shine upon me and the whole world that Your glory may be seen. Come Holy Spirit and renew the face of the Earth. Lord, send forth your Spirit and I shall be renewed. Come Holy Spirit and teach me to pray/worship." Total dependence is total obedience to His prompting: the song to sing, when to raise my hands and how high, when to dance, when to lie prostrate, when to kneel, where to sit and when to stop. Oh, the best experience was when the Spirit led me into the recesses of the heart of God, that envelope of peacefully, joyfully, loving thumping heart of God.
Worship is a lifestyle. You need to invest on it, maintain it and live it to the fullest. But that's for another post.
Worship Song of the Day:
I wanna sit at Your feet
Drink from the cup in Your hands
Lay back against you and breathe
Feel your heart beat.
This love is so deep
It's more than I can stand
I melt in your peace...
(The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe)
Monday, November 1, 2010
An Audience of One
Being a worship leader always carries with it the temptation to perform rather than to worship.
It is best to identify the sources of these temptations.
One, you have risen from the ranks of the worship team. I myself rose from doing the overhead projector, to the chorus line, to the lead vocals, to praise leader and then to worship leader. Pride was the downfall of Lucifer the worship leader in God's throneroom. Pride is the downfall of many worship leaders. Knowing fully well that it is the Lord who raised you up, brings down pride from its mighty throne. It is the Lord who promotes. Not by my might, not by my talents, not by anything but by the Spirit. It is by the Spirit that one can truthfully and genuinely worship. The congregation of the same Spirit discerns that.
Two, the brightness of the stage lights. Somehow I have always dreamt to be a singer, in the secular of course. I have sung every standard song in the music collection magazines and have always aspired to hit 100 and many times have done so in the videoke machine. I have done concerts with myself as the audience. Now, here you are, 500+ people in front of you waiting for the voice to lead them in singing. The fulfillment of a dream? Nope, only the audition to an eternal profession. We were made to worship, saved to forever enjoy God's presence. Every step into the stage is a rehearsal of what we are going to do in Heaven.
Three, the audience. There is a very thin line between performing and worshiping. To be sure we are on the right footing, remember, we were saved to worship not to perform. The talents we have, we have all surrendered to God and it is at His disposal. It is He who called and chose us for this ministry. Getting to centerstage is a fruit of our faithfulness to that calling. Faithfulness that is a blessing by the One who called. Look at the audience up front, but gaze upward and more often into your real audience, your audience of One who not just delights in your worship but smiles to bless your offering of praise and adoration.
Always remember, the audience of One.
Worship Song of the Day
The splendour of a King
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice!
- (How Great is our God - Chris Tomlin)
It is best to identify the sources of these temptations.
One, you have risen from the ranks of the worship team. I myself rose from doing the overhead projector, to the chorus line, to the lead vocals, to praise leader and then to worship leader. Pride was the downfall of Lucifer the worship leader in God's throneroom. Pride is the downfall of many worship leaders. Knowing fully well that it is the Lord who raised you up, brings down pride from its mighty throne. It is the Lord who promotes. Not by my might, not by my talents, not by anything but by the Spirit. It is by the Spirit that one can truthfully and genuinely worship. The congregation of the same Spirit discerns that.
Two, the brightness of the stage lights. Somehow I have always dreamt to be a singer, in the secular of course. I have sung every standard song in the music collection magazines and have always aspired to hit 100 and many times have done so in the videoke machine. I have done concerts with myself as the audience. Now, here you are, 500+ people in front of you waiting for the voice to lead them in singing. The fulfillment of a dream? Nope, only the audition to an eternal profession. We were made to worship, saved to forever enjoy God's presence. Every step into the stage is a rehearsal of what we are going to do in Heaven.
Three, the audience. There is a very thin line between performing and worshiping. To be sure we are on the right footing, remember, we were saved to worship not to perform. The talents we have, we have all surrendered to God and it is at His disposal. It is He who called and chose us for this ministry. Getting to centerstage is a fruit of our faithfulness to that calling. Faithfulness that is a blessing by the One who called. Look at the audience up front, but gaze upward and more often into your real audience, your audience of One who not just delights in your worship but smiles to bless your offering of praise and adoration.
Always remember, the audience of One.
Worship Song of the Day
The splendour of a King
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice!
- (How Great is our God - Chris Tomlin)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
David - A Man after God's Own Heart
73 of the 150 Psalms are attributed to David. He is the 'man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22, 1Sam 13:13-14).
What is it like to be after God's heart?
David loved praising the Lord. In Ps 8:2 "O Lord, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!" Ps 9:1 "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;" I would imagine David as a shepherd tending his sheep with lyre in hand singing to the heavens. When he was made king of Israel, "with [just] a linen apron, came dancing before the Lord with abandon" (2Sam 6:14)
David loved to pray. Most of his psalms are prayers -- for himself, for Israel. He prayed for forgiveness, for rescue, in thanksgiving, in confidence, in weakness, in lament, in victory, in innocence, for help, for anointing, for provision, for healing. He looked to God for everything and anything. He ascribed to God sovereignty, lordship, kingship of his life.
I would like to be like David, generous in praising and worshiping God and bow in humility before God in times of defeat, sin and unrighteousness.
God grant me this grace and may you allow me to touch your heart that I may know its beating and hide me there when troubles come my way.
What is it like to be after God's heart?
David loved praising the Lord. In Ps 8:2 "O Lord, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!" Ps 9:1 "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;" I would imagine David as a shepherd tending his sheep with lyre in hand singing to the heavens. When he was made king of Israel, "with [just] a linen apron, came dancing before the Lord with abandon" (2Sam 6:14)
David loved to pray. Most of his psalms are prayers -- for himself, for Israel. He prayed for forgiveness, for rescue, in thanksgiving, in confidence, in weakness, in lament, in victory, in innocence, for help, for anointing, for provision, for healing. He looked to God for everything and anything. He ascribed to God sovereignty, lordship, kingship of his life.
I would like to be like David, generous in praising and worshiping God and bow in humility before God in times of defeat, sin and unrighteousness.
God grant me this grace and may you allow me to touch your heart that I may know its beating and hide me there when troubles come my way.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Worship at All Times
People have had the notion that worship is limited to religious services that allows them to verbally or non-verbally express their worship of God.
In an earlier post, I said, worship is an expression of our love for God. So whether we sit or stand, work or play if it is an act of love for God or for His people, it is worship. Worship is not about how you are feeling right now, because God as an object of your worship does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Whether you are happy or sad, grumpy or jovial, in mourning or dancing, you can worship because God will welcome your offering. Whether early in the morning, at noon or in the evening wherever you find yourself, worship the Lord.
It is this desire for the uninterrupted presence of the Lord that all worshipers must aspire for. For the Lord says in John 15:9ff: “Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (NAB)
When we continuously worship God, the enemy has no space to intrude and to cause us to sin. We will be in complete obedience of the Father’s will. Our righteousness will shine like the noonday sun. Our joy will be complete.
Worship Song of the Day…
Lord of righteousness you come in glory
Bright and morning star
All my days, I’ll worship and adore you
Healer of my heart.
Every prayer, every cry
You alone satisfy
We will lift your praise again and again
-High and Lifted Up (New Life Worship)
In an earlier post, I said, worship is an expression of our love for God. So whether we sit or stand, work or play if it is an act of love for God or for His people, it is worship. Worship is not about how you are feeling right now, because God as an object of your worship does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Whether you are happy or sad, grumpy or jovial, in mourning or dancing, you can worship because God will welcome your offering. Whether early in the morning, at noon or in the evening wherever you find yourself, worship the Lord.
It is this desire for the uninterrupted presence of the Lord that all worshipers must aspire for. For the Lord says in John 15:9ff: “Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (NAB)
When we continuously worship God, the enemy has no space to intrude and to cause us to sin. We will be in complete obedience of the Father’s will. Our righteousness will shine like the noonday sun. Our joy will be complete.
Worship Song of the Day…
Lord of righteousness you come in glory
Bright and morning star
All my days, I’ll worship and adore you
Healer of my heart.
Every prayer, every cry
You alone satisfy
We will lift your praise again and again
-High and Lifted Up (New Life Worship)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Worship Concert
The past several weeks have been extremely busy preparing for a big event in the community. We are holding the 2nd worship conference in the Heritage.
"God mounts the throne, amidst shouts of Joy" (Psalms 47:6).
Everyone is excited about it. Sis. Mikmik Rodriguez-Flores has arrived together with the family including the new baby Zechariah. She, together with our Elder, Sis. Techie are giving the plenary topics while some of us worship leaders and music ministry stewards are giving break-out topic sessions for instrumentalists, vocalists, dancers and ministry leaders.
Yesterday was hectic. We rehearsed all the songs and Sis. Mik already gave the final line up of songs. It will be a glorious worship concert that will culminate the conference. God is faithful, He will allow us to once again experience His throneroom, His immense glory.
Come join us. July 25, 2010, 9am to 7pm at The Lord's Flock Heritage Worship and Spiritual Formation Center, 5 Catanduanes St., (near cor Del Monte and West Ave) Quezon City. Conference fee with break-out sessions are at P1000 (with free lunch) and for general worship topics P500. See you all there!
Worship song of the day:
More than a nice melody
More than the sweetest of words
This is the love I have found
And in this love I am found.
I just want you, Jesus
I just want you, my Lord
I just want you, Jesus
I just want you.
- I Just Want You (Planet Shakers)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
What is Worship
Worship is our expression of our love for something.
We can just worship anything. We may worship our parents, our spouses, our partners, our job, our babies, our wealth, our favorite celebrities, or even nature.
As I have learned and have experienced, no worship is more beneficial for me, than worshiping God. After all, where did all those I listed above come from, but God. He is my Maker, He is their Maker.
So I have reserved worship for God and Him alone. Thus, He takes priority, well not even top priority, my Elder says, He is beyond our priorities. He is Supreme.
And the benefits? The word of God says, and this is my favorite verse: "But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." (Matthew 6:33). ALL THESE THINGS. This assurance has taken away all worries in my life. (Though sometimes, I take back a few, just for some excitement, :)
To Him, be all glory and honor and praise.
Worship song of the day:
You inhabit the praises of your people.
You delight in the glory of your Son
In the love of the Father we will worship
In the kingdom of God we'll find our home ...
Sing out to God, sing Hallelujah
With all we are we will worship You
Holy is your Name, holy is your Name, Oh God
- The Wonder of Your Love (Hillsong)
We can just worship anything. We may worship our parents, our spouses, our partners, our job, our babies, our wealth, our favorite celebrities, or even nature.
As I have learned and have experienced, no worship is more beneficial for me, than worshiping God. After all, where did all those I listed above come from, but God. He is my Maker, He is their Maker.
So I have reserved worship for God and Him alone. Thus, He takes priority, well not even top priority, my Elder says, He is beyond our priorities. He is Supreme.
And the benefits? The word of God says, and this is my favorite verse: "But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." (Matthew 6:33). ALL THESE THINGS. This assurance has taken away all worries in my life. (Though sometimes, I take back a few, just for some excitement, :)
To Him, be all glory and honor and praise.
Worship song of the day:
You inhabit the praises of your people.
You delight in the glory of your Son
In the love of the Father we will worship
In the kingdom of God we'll find our home ...
Sing out to God, sing Hallelujah
With all we are we will worship You
Holy is your Name, holy is your Name, Oh God
- The Wonder of Your Love (Hillsong)
Praise the Lord!
I have a blog! Hallelujah!
All for His glory! That all men may worship Jesus, who is Lord, King and Master!
Come friends, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our God, our Maker!
All for His glory! That all men may worship Jesus, who is Lord, King and Master!
Come friends, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our God, our Maker!
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