A number of years back I started a system of evaluating all the details of our Sunday services. There is so much going on Sunday mornings: parking, greeters, ushers, the coffee shop, sound, lighting, media, the worship team, worship songs, communion, announcements, offering, message, altar call, introductions, transitions, facility maintenance, prayer, discipleship, classes.. and the list goes on.
In an effort to keep track and grow in service to our congregation, I developed a simple 10 question survey that I emailed out weekly to 50 people in our congregation. I used the automated online service SurveyMonkey.com (it is free if you only ask 10 questions).
The group that received the emails included elders, pastors, support staff, musicians, tech people and leaders in the congregation. They would get an email Sunday morning on their smart phone. I wanted to get constructive feedback from mature Christians so we could improve and do a great job.
SurveyMonkey’s automated system would tabulate the evaluations and comments. Then we would review the results in our staff meetings and take the needed actions.
Here are the 10 questions:
1. How did you find your parking and pre-service experience?
2. How was ushering and greeting this morning?
3. How was your musical worship experience today?
4. How was the worship team and leader? Stage presence, passion, communication?
5. How was the overall sound level & quality? Volume, mix?
6. How was the media (video, lyrics, etc.) announcements and offering time?
7. Did this mornings message speak to you? Did it encourage or challenge you?
8. How was the Pastor’s delivery?
9. How was your altar and post-service experience (friendliness)?
10. What was your overall impression of church today?
After each question there would be a place to indicate an evaluation and also leave a comment.
This simple evaluation system really helped identify problem areas and bring our Sunday gatherings to a higher level.
One note of caution: I learned to control the release of the weekly survey information so that it was only used for positive and not negative ends. Not everyone is ready for blunt feedback.
Question: How are you evaluating your Sunday services? What questions do you ask and how do you address problem areas?
In Matthew 7:7-8 – Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
In these verses, Jesus uses the imagery of asking, seeking, and knocking to convey the idea of persistence in prayer and seeking a relationship with God. The three actions—asking, seeking, and knocking—represent different levels of engagement with God:
Ask: This represents the act of presenting our needs and desires to God in prayer. It emphasizes the importance of bringing our requests before God, showing our dependence on Him and our willingness to communicate with Him.
Seek: Seeking goes beyond asking. It suggests a more active pursuit of understanding and knowledge of God’s will. It implies a genuine effort to grow in faith, explore His teachings, and discover His plans for our lives.
Knock: Knocking signifies the act of persistently seeking a deeper connection with God. It involves actively engaging with Him and showing a desire to enter into a more profound relationship. Just as knocking on a door requires effort and persistence, seeking God’s presence and wisdom requires a continuous and sincere pursuit.
The promise attached to these actions is that for those who engage in them with a sincere heart, God responds. The passage assures that if we earnestly ask, seek, and knock, God will answer, reveal Himself, and open doors of understanding and opportunity. However, it’s important to remember that the timing and manner of God’s response might not always align with our expectations, as His ways are higher than ours.
Matthew 7:7-8 encourages believers to approach their relationship with God with faith, persistence, and a sincere heart, trusting that God will provide what is best for them according to His divine wisdom and timing.
Turning your 60s into the best decade of your life involves a combination of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this stage of life:
1. Stay Active and Healthy:
– Regular exercise: Engage in activities that promote flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. Activities like walking, swimming, stretching, intimacy with your spouse, pickleball, or gentle weight lifting can be beneficial.
– Balanced diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated and watch your portion sizes.
– Regular check-ups: Schedule regular visits to your healthcare providers for screenings, vaccinations, and preventive care.
– Recognize your body as belonging to God: Embrace a healthy lifestyle, exercising and nourishing your body as an act of stewardship for the gift God has given you.
– Gratitude for health: Approach your physical well-being with thankfulness, recognizing that your body is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
2. Maintain Mental Agility:
– Lifelong learning: Engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as reading, puzzles, games, or taking up new hobbies. Seek wisdom and understanding through the study of Scripture and other faith-related materials.
– Social interactions: Stay socially active by participating in clubs, church, classes, dates with your spouse or groups that align with your interests and purpose.
– Transformation of the mind: Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind, guiding your thoughts and actions in alignment with God’s will (Romans 12:2).
3. Embrace a Positive Attitude:
– Practice gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the experiences and relationships in your life. This can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.
– Focus on the present: Be mindful of the present moment and avoid dwelling on regrets or worrying excessively about the future.
– Rejoice in the Lord: Cultivate joy in your heart by focusing on your relationship with God and His blessings in your life (Philippians 4:4).
– Contentment: Develop contentment by placing your trust in God’s plan and His provision for you (1 Timothy 6:6-7).
4. Nurture Relationships:
– Family and friends: Spend quality time with loved ones, whether it’s your spouse, children, grandchildren, or close friends. Prioritize family connections and create a legacy of faith for the generations to come (Proverbs 22:6).
– Forge new connections: Join clubs, church small groups or volunteer organizations to meet new people and create meaningful connections.
– Love and serve others: Embrace Christ’s commandment to love your neighbors as yourself, investing in relationships and showing compassion (Matthew 22:39).
5. Explore New Passions:
– Pursue hobbies: Use this time to delve into interests you may not have had time for earlier in life. This could be painting, gardening, music, writing, or any other creative pursuit.
– Travel: Explore new destinations and cultures, whether it’s local day trips or international adventures.
– Discover God’s calling: Seek guidance from God in discovering new passions and interests that align with His purpose for your life.
– Share God’s love: Use your interests and talents as opportunities to share Christ’s love and message with those you encounter (1 Peter 3:15).
6. Give Back:
– Volunteering: Find opportunities to give back to your community and church through volunteering. Contributing your skills and experience can be immensely fulfilling.
– Compassionate giving: Serve others selflessly, following Jesus’ example of servant leadership and demonstrating God’s love through your actions (Matthew 20:28).
– Generosity: Use your resources to bless others, remembering that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
7. Financial Planning:
– Financial stewardship: Review your financial situation. Trust in God’s provision and practice wise financial management, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of abundance (Philippians 4:19).
– Seek God’s will: Seek God’s guidance in financial decisions and plans, acknowledging Him in all your ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).
8. Stay Tech-Savvy:
– Embrace technology: Stay up-to-date with technology, as it can help you stay connected with loved ones, access information, and even pursue new interests.
9. Self-Care:
– Rest and relaxation: Make sure to get enough sleep and take breaks when needed to recharge, take a day off every week.
– Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, trusting God, memorizing scripture or exercise.
10. Gratitude and Thankfulness:
– Cultivate gratitude: Develop a habit of gratitude for God’s grace, blessings, and the gift of salvation through Jesus (Colossians 3:15-17).
– Thanksgiving in prayer: Approach God with thanksgiving in your prayers, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
11. Goals and Purpose:
– Reflect and set goals: Take time to reflect on what you believe God wants you to achieve in this stage of life. Set goals that align with your purpose and values.
– Align yourself with God’s will for your life: Ask God to make this season of your life filled with great purpose and fulfillment.
Approaching your 60’s involves integrating your faith into your daily life, seeking to glorify God in all you do. By aligning your actions, thoughts, and relationships with biblical principles, you can experience spiritual growth, deepened relationships, and a great sense of purpose and fulfillment in this stage of life.
Practicing regularly and effectively is crucial for any budding musician looking to improve their skills. Here are some great tips to help you establish a productive practice routine:
1. Set Specific Goals: Define clear and achievable objectives for each practice session. Whether it’s mastering a new song, improving a specific technique, or working on your music theory, having specific goals will keep you focused and motivated.
2. Create a Schedule: Establish a consistent practice schedule that fits into your daily routine. Even if you can only spare 15-30 minutes a day, regular short practice sessions are more effective than irregular long sessions.
3. Start Slowly, Then Increase Tempo: When learning a new piece or technique, start at a slow tempo to build accuracy and muscle memory. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable and confident.
4. Practice Mindfully: Avoid mindlessly going through the motions. Stay present and attentive during practice, focusing on the areas that need improvement. Concentrated and mindful practice is more effective than just playing through pieces.
5. Warm-Up Exercises: Begin each practice session with warm-up exercises to prepare your muscles and fingers for playing. Warm-ups can help prevent injuries and enhance your overall performance.
6. Break It Down: If a piece seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller sections or challenging parts. Master each section individually, then put them together gradually.
7. Record Yourself: Use a recording device to capture your practice sessions. Listening back to your performance can help you identify areas that need improvement and track your progress over time.
8. Vary Your Practice Routine: Balance your practice sessions by incorporating different elements such as scales, exercises, songs, improvisation, and sight-reading. This variety keeps things interesting and ensures you develop a well-rounded skill set.
9. Seek Guidance: If possible, get feedback from a music teacher, mentor, or fellow musician. They can offer valuable insights, correct mistakes, and provide guidance on how to improve further.
10. Stay Patient and Persistent: Progress in music takes time, and there will be challenges along the way. Stay patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. Consistent and persistent effort will yield results.
11. Join Musical Communities: Connect with other musicians and join musical communities, either in person or online. Join your church worship team. Collaborating with others, attending jams, or participating in workshops can be inspiring and motivating.
12. Listen to Music: Take the time to listen to a wide variety of music, not just within your preferred genre. Listening to different styles and artists can expand your musical horizons and inspire new ideas.
13. Find Places to Perform: Setting up places to perform: whether recitals, church services, coffee shops, family events or street corners provide great motivation to practice.
14. Stay Healthy: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Proper rest, a balanced diet, and staying mentally fresh can significantly impact your practice sessions and creativity.
This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.
Becoming a great backup singer on a church worship team requires a combination of musical, stage and interpersonal skills. Here are some essential skills to develop:
1. Vocal Ability: Work on having a strong singing voice. Work on your vocal range, pitch accuracy, tone, and control. Practice regularly to improve your vocal technique and expand your vocal capabilities. Here’s a link to ‘10 Ways To Improve Your Singing‘.
2. Harmony Singing: Backup singers play a crucial role in providing harmonies that complement the lead vocalist and add depth to the music. Practice singing in harmony with others and learn to blend your voice seamlessly with the other singers. Here are some tips on ‘How To Learn To Sing Harmony’.
3. Ear Training: Developing a good ear for music is essential for backup singers. Train yourself to recognize and replicate harmonies and melodies accurately. Ear training will also help you stay on pitch and adjust your singing accordingly. Here’s a link to ‘7 Keys To Improving Pitch’.
4. Rhythm and Timing: Being able to stay in sync with the lead vocalist, the band, and the overall rhythm of the song is vital. Practice singing with a metronome or backing tracks to improve your sense of timing.
5. Flexibility: Worship songs can vary in style, tempo, and arrangement. As a backup singer, you should be adaptable and comfortable singing in different genres and musical settings.
6. Team Player Attitude: Being part of a worship team means working collaboratively with others. Be open to feedback, communicate effectively with other team members, and maintain a positive and supportive attitude. Here are some tips on being a great worship team member.
7. Sensitivity to Dynamics: Pay attention to the dynamics of the music and adjust your volume accordingly. Sometimes, backup singers need to blend into the background, while other times, they may need to add power and emphasis to certain parts of the song.
8. Stage Presence: Good stage presence adds to the overall worship experience. Develop confidence in your performance and engage with the congregation without overpowering the lead vocalist or drawing unnecessary attention. Learn how to smile as you sing. Learn to look at the congregation as you worship. Be comfortable with the actions of worship such as clapping and lifting of hands. Love the Lord and love the people that you are leading. Here are 12 tips on ‘Developing Stage Presence‘.
9. Lyric Memorization: Familiarize yourself with the worship songs and memorize the lyrics. Being confident in the words will enable you to focus on worshipping God and connecting with the song’s message. If your church has a lyric monitor on the back wall, only glance at it occasionally as a back-up for your memorization.
10. Emotional Expression: Worship songs often carry deep emotional themes. Learn to convey the emotions of the music through your singing and facial expressions, connecting with the song’s message on a personal level. Learn to get beyond the music and worship the Lord from your heart as you sing. Love the Lord with your whole heart and let that love show on the platform.
11. Breathing Technique: Proper breath control is essential for maintaining consistent and steady vocal support. Practice breathing exercises to improve your breath capacity and control while singing.
12. Reliability and Commitment: Being a part of a church worship team requires dedication and reliability. Attend rehearsals regularly, memorize the music and be prepared for your churches services.
Remember that becoming a great backup worship singer is a journey that involves consistent practice, learning, and growing as a musician and a believer. Embrace opportunities to serve, grow in your personal worship of the Lord, seek constructive feedback, and continually refine your skills.
This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.
Did you ever wonder why is singing so important in the Bible and Christianity in general? Singing holds a significant place in the Bible and Christianity for many different reasons. Here are seven great motivations behind a believer’s love for singing:
1. Worship and Praise:
Singing is often seen as a form of worship and praise to God. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances of people offering songs of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. For example, the book of Psalms is a collection of songs and hymns used for worship in ancient Israel. Singing allows believers to express their love, adoration, and gratitude to God.
2. Spiritual Connection:
Singing helps Christians to connect with God on a deeper level. It allows them to enter into His presence, experience His peace, and cultivate a personal relationship with Him.
3. Biblical Mandate:
The Bible encourages believers to sing and make music to the Lord. In passages like Psalm 95:1-2 and Colossians 3:16, singing is described as a natural response to God’s goodness and a means of teaching and encouraging one another.
4. Joyful Expression:
Singing brings joy and happiness to Christians as they celebrate their faith and salvation. It allows them to express the joy that comes from knowing God’s love and experiencing His grace.
5. Community and Fellowship:
Singing together in church gatherings or other Christian gatherings fosters a sense of community and fellowship among believers. It unites individuals in a shared experience of worship, creating a collective expression of faith. Singing together can promote a sense of belonging, strengthen relationships, and encourage mutual support among believers.
6. Spiritual Warfare:
Singing can play a role in spiritual warfare, symbolizing victory over evil and promoting spiritual strength. The Bible mentions instances where singing was used as a weapon against enemies or oppressive forces. For example, the Israelites sang songs of victory after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-21) and Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison, leading to their release (Acts 16:25-26). Singing can bring about a sense of God’s presence and power, bringing comfort and encouragement in difficult times.
7. Teaching and Remembrance:
Songs and hymns often contain theological truths, biblical narratives, and lessons of faith. Singing allows these teachings to be memorized and internalized more easily. The repetition of songs can reinforce important biblical concepts and stories, helping believers remember and reflect upon them. It provides a powerful means of transmitting and preserving Christian teachings across generations.
These reasons (and many others) demonstrate how singing holds a significant place in the hearts and practices of Christians, enabling us to worship, connect with God, express their joy, build community, engage in spiritual warfare, and reinforce our faith.
This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.
The Bible contains various principles related to wealth, poverty, and prosperity. While it is important to remember that the Bible’s primary focus is on spiritual matters and the relationship between individuals and God, it does offer guidance on financial matters as well. Here are some biblical principles that can be applied to promote financial well-being:
1. Diligence and Hard Work:
Proverbs 10:4 states, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” The Bible encourages industriousness, responsible work, and the diligent use of our talents and resources.
2. Wise Stewardship:
Being a faithful steward of the resources entrusted to us is important. In Luke 16:10, Jesus says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” This principle encourages responsible management of finances, including budgeting, saving, and avoiding wastefulness.
3. Generosity:
Proverbs 11:25 teaches, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” The Bible encourages us to be generous with our resources, helping those in need and contributing to the well-being of others.
4. Avoidance of Greed:
The Bible warns against the love of money and the dangers of greed. In 1 Timothy 6:10, the Apostle Paul states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” It encourages contentment and warns against pursuing wealth at the expense of moral values.
5. Seek God’s Kingdom First:
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus advises, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The principle of seeking God’s kingdom first reminds us to prioritize spiritual growth and righteousness, trusting that God will provide for our needs.
6. Honesty and Integrity:
Proverbs 28:6 says, “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.” The Bible encourages honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in financial dealings.
7. Seek Wisdom:
Proverbs 3:13-14 states, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” The pursuit of wisdom and discernment helps in making sound financial decisions.
It’s important to note that while these principles can guide our financial choices, the Bible does not guarantee material wealth for everyone who follows them. Wealth and poverty can be influenced by various factors, including circumstances beyond our control. Ultimately, the focus of the Bible is on the condition of our hearts, our relationship with God, and our pursuit of eternal values rather than temporary wealth.
This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.
As I was reading the Bible today, I was reminded of how faithful God is. In a world where circumstances change, relationships falter, and uncertainties loom, finding something or someone who remains constant and faithful is a source of great comfort and hope.
Fortunately, for those who put their trust in God, there is an unchanging and unwavering source of faithfulness that surpasses all understanding. The faithfulness of God is a timeless truth that has been revealed through His Word, and it continues to bring solace and encouragement to countless individuals throughout history.
Scripture reminds us in Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” This verse describes for us the essence of God’s faithfulness, emphasizing His everlasting nature and its extension to every generation. Here are a few of the many reasons we can trust in the faithfulness of God.
1. The Promise-Keeping God:
God’s faithfulness is rooted in His nature and character. Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?” Unlike human beings, God is unchangeable, and His promises are sure. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where God fulfilled His promises to His people, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness.
–The Promise to Abraham: In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Despite Abraham and his wife Sarah being old and childless, God remained faithful to His promise. In Genesis 21:1-2, we read, “The Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as He had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him.” God fulfilled His promise by giving Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac, through whom the nation of Israel would be established.
–The Birth of Jesus: Throughout the Old Testament, God promised to send a Messiah who would bring salvation and redemption. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophecy states, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” God fulfilled this promise when Jesus, the Son of God, was born to the virgin Mary. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God demonstrated His ultimate faithfulness in providing a Savior for humanity, fulfilling the promise of redemption and eternal life for all who believe in Him.
2. God’s Faithfulness in Our Trials:
Life’s trials and challenges often leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. However, even in the midst of difficulties, God’s faithfulness shines brightly. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” These verses remind us that God’s faithfulness is not limited by our circumstances. His love, mercy, and faithfulness are renewed each day, giving us hope and strength to endure.
3. God’s Faithfulness in Salvation:
The pinnacle of God’s faithfulness is revealed in His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:8, we read, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s faithfulness is demonstrated through the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. He remained faithful to His promise of salvation, offering forgiveness, grace, and eternal life to all who trust in Him.
4. Our Response:
Understanding the faithfulness of God should elicit a response from us. As recipients of His faithfulness, we are called to trust, obey, and serve Him faithfully. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul wrote, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” We are entrusted with God’s blessings and are called to be faithful stewards of His love, grace, and truth.
The faithfulness of God is not a mere theological concept; it is a profound reality that can transform lives. Through His Word, we find countless examples of God’s faithfulness, reassuring us that we can place our trust in Him. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, success or failure, God remains faithful to His promises. As we navigate the journey of life, let us hold onto the truth that God’s faithfulness is unchanging, unwavering, and everlasting. May we find solace, strength, and hope in His faithfulness, knowing that He will always be with us, guiding, comforting, and loving us every step of the way.
This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.
In a world filled with distractions and discord, the commandments of loving God with our whole heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves offer timeless wisdom and guidance. These commandments, rooted in love, hold transformative power for both individuals and society. Let us explore the benefits and blessings that come from following these foundational principles.
1. Spiritual Fulfillment:
At the core of our being lies a longing for connection and purpose. Loving God with our whole heart opens the door to a profound spiritual journey. It invites us to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with the LORD, bringing inner peace, joy, and fulfillment. As Jesus said in Mark 12:30, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
2. Personal Transformation:
Love for God and neighbor ignites a transformative process within ourselves. As we wholeheartedly embrace these commandments, they challenge us to examine our attitudes, behaviors, and priorities. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Through this process, we undergo personal growth, refining our character and becoming a beacon of love in the world.
3. Healthy Relationships:
Loving our neighbor as ourselves lays the foundation for healthy and harmonious relationships. When we extend love, respect, and kindness to those around us, we foster an environment of trust and goodwill. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:39, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This leads to deeper connections, authentic friendships, and meaningful interactions. By valuing and honoring each person’s inherent worth, we create a community where everyone feels valued and accepted.
4. Social Cohesion:
The commandments of loving God and neighbor have a profound impact on society. When individuals embody these principles, social cohesion flourishes. Love becomes the bridge that spans differences and unites diverse communities. The apostle Paul encourages in Romans 13:10, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” By practicing love and empathy, we dismantle barriers and foster understanding. In a world where division often reigns, this unity brings about a more compassionate and inclusive society.
5. Alleviation of Suffering:
Love for our neighbor compels us to alleviate the suffering of others. Through acts of service and compassion, we extend a helping hand to those in need. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” By easing their burdens, we bring comfort, hope, and healing. In doing so, we not only make a tangible difference in their lives but also experience a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose.
6. Spiritual Blessings:
Loving God and our neighbor opens the floodgates to spiritual blessings. As we deepen our connection with the LORD, we gain access to guidance, wisdom, and grace. James 1:22 encourages us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Living in alignment with these commandments aligns us with God’s values, inviting His favor and blessings into our lives. These blessings manifest as a deep sense of peace, divine protection, and a profound sense of belonging.
7. Positive Influence:
Living out the commandments of love has a ripple effect on the world around us. Our actions and words inspire others to embrace love, kindness, and compassion. Jesus urges us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” By being a living example of these principles, we become catalysts for positive change. Our influence extends beyond ourselves, spreading love and transforming communities one person at a time.
The wisdom of loving God with our whole heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves holds immeasurable benefits and blessings. It nourishes our spirits, fosters personal growth, and cultivates healthy relationships. Furthermore, these commandments promote social harmony and empower us to make a positive impact on the world. As we embrace this timeless wisdom, let us become beacons of love, radiating kindness, compassion, and unity to create a world where love reigns supreme. Let us remember the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.”
This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.
In our quest for understanding and meaning, the question “Who is God?” has captivated humanity for centuries. Delving into ancient scriptures we can explore the multifaceted nature of God. Join me on this enlightening journey as we get a glimpse into the essence of the divine.
1. The Creator of All:
At the very core of God’s identity lies His role as the Creator. God is the mastermind behind the vast expanse of the heavens and the intricate details of our planet Earth. From the breathtaking galaxies to the delicate balance of ecosystems, His creative power is unmatched. (Genesis 1:1)
2. Limitless Power:
In contemplating God’s essence, we encounter His omnipotence. With absolute authority and boundless might, He governs the universe. No challenge is insurmountable, and no feat is beyond His reach. God’s power illuminates the path of those who seek Him. (Job 42:2, Jeremiah 32:17)
3. The Source of Infinite Knowledge:
God’s wisdom and understanding are infinite. His omniscience encompasses all knowledge; He perceives the past, present, and future in perfect clarity. With unerring insight, He comprehends the intricacies of our lives, guiding us with divine wisdom. (Psalm 147:5, Isaiah 46:10)
4. Omnipresence: Beyond the Bounds of Space and Time:
God’s presence transcends the constraints of space and time. He is everywhere simultaneously, intimately aware of each person, place, and moment. In our darkest hours or our joyous triumphs, He is there, offering solace, comfort, and guidance. (Psalm 139:7-10, Jeremiah 23:24)
5. Eternal Existence:
Time bows before the eternal nature of God. Unbounded by the limitations of a beginning or an end, He exists from everlasting to everlasting. God’s eternal essence grants us assurance and security, for His faithfulness knows no bounds. (Psalm 90:2, Revelation 1:8)
6. Love Unparalleled: Gift of Jesus:
Love defines the very character of God. His unconditional and sacrificial love is a testament to His nature. God’s love for humanity is revealed in the gift of Jesus Christ, who came to save us from sin and reconcile us to God. Through Jesus, we experience the depth of God’s love and the hope of eternal life. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8)
7. Justice and Fairness:
The divine nature embodies perfect justice and fairness. God upholds moral principles and administers righteous judgment. His scales never tip in favor of injustice, ensuring that goodness and righteousness prevail. (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 89:14)
8. Mercy and Forgiveness:
In His infinite mercy, God extends forgiveness to those who humbly seek it. His compassion knows no bounds, offering redemption and restoration to the repentant. God’s willingness to forgive bridges the gap between human frailty and divine grace. (Psalm 103:8-10, Ephesians 2:4-5)
9. Holiness Personified:
God’s holiness is a fundamental aspect of His divine nature. He is completely separate and set apart from all that is sinful and impure. In His presence, we encounter the pure radiance of His holiness, which reveals the stark contrast between His perfect righteousness and our human frailty. God’s holiness calls us to approach Him with reverence, awe, and a deep desire for personal transformation. (Isaiah 6:3, 1 Peter 1:15-16)
10. The Triune Mystery:
God reveals Himself as the Triune God: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. This divine mystery presents the interconnectedness and unity of these three distinct persons, coexisting in perfect harmony. (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
As we explore the question “Who is God?” we catch a glimpse of the majesty and awe-inspiring nature of the divine. From the heights of creation to the depths of love, justice, holiness, and the gift of Jesus, God’s multifaceted character is an invitation to embark on a lifelong journey of discovery and faith. May our hearts be open to the wonder and beauty of knowing the One who is beyond all comprehension yet intimately close, the eternal mystery that defines our existence.
