SPIRIT FILLED WORSHIP ???

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lee Altman on November 10, 2008 at 12:04am

I can say that I have been in worship settings where you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that people weren't worshipping. I have been in worship settings where I thought it was a dud, but turned out that people were really connecting in one or another. I have been in worship settings where the Spirit was so heavy that it was hard to leave. I have been in worship settings where a lot of emotion was expended and goose bumps were felt, but as far as meeting with God people were not. It was just their morning exercises. ( I make that last statement in jest, kind of)

At River Valley Vineyard we have a lot of services full of energy. Sometimes it's in our worship and sometimes it is in our praise.

Permalink Reply by Brannon Mooney on November 10, 2008 at 10:40pm

James .. that's so funny (scowling man story).. but so true. We can't judge the hearts of others .. not our job description. We worship -- pure and simple.

Permalink Reply by Justin Kirkendall on November 14, 2008 at 5:48pm

I have come to that realization- you can never judge somebody's outward reaction to worship because that's not what it is about. they could have just got in a fight with a spouse. a child..whatever and then come in- and need to be ministered to not necessarily be active in worship- you know? I agree 100%

Permalink Reply by Cathy Cox on November 29, 2008 at 2:16pm

I agree with most of what has already been said. I think as long as we maintain our focus and are obedient to the Holy Spirit, then we are where God wants us to be in worship. Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who presents the invitation to "Come. Enter In. Rest. Partake of The Water." We are simply the vessels He uses and it is up to each individual to respond.

I think sometimes we confuse our role of Lead Worshiper with that of Head Cheerleader! It's not my job to cajole, coerce or command others to listen to and commune with the Holy Spirit. While I know it is to their benefit, I can't make them drink!

I believe the Spirit does give discernment as to the "Spiritual atmosphere" as Carolyn Gardner put it. What we need to do as worship leaders, then, is learn how to flow as the River is pouring! Follow the Holy Spirit and not the emotions of the people.

We can't see the condition of the heart. While a healthy heart will be evidenced by bearing fruit and the unhealthy, inevitably by not - only God sees the complete condition and knows where each person is in relation to Him.

Finally and most importantly - the question to answer when we lead is, "Did I hear God during our planning time and did this worship service bring Him honor and glory?" If the answer is 'yes' then so be it and Amen.

Permalink Reply by Brannon Mooney on November 29, 2008 at 2:57pm

Cathy ... Amen!... it's all about walking with Him ... listening daily... trusting... abiding. Amen.

Permalink Reply by Cathy Cox on November 29, 2008 at 5:00pm

I love your name!

Permalink Reply by Brannon Mooney on November 30, 2008 at 1:46am

Thanks Cathy.. It's an Irish last name. It was found in the phone book just before I was born. I'm thankful I'm not Johnson Mooney or Miller Mooney! :)

Permalink Reply by Robert Hepler, Jr on July 20, 2010 at 10:42pm

I try to keep in mind that I'm merely a facilitator for people to experience God's presence. I have to be full going into it and flow with the Holy Spirit's move. The results are up to God.

Permalink Reply by David Honkanen on August 15, 2010 at 7:59pm

We've had some great demonstrative worship times lately. This morning though seemed like one of those services where I would almost have to beg people to worship. I won't do that. I will worship by myself in those situations. It changed when the minister got up. He started by asking people to come and pray for needs. This changed the entire attitude in the service. Maybe that's the way I should have started things or else God has His timing.

Permalink Reply by Michael on October 27, 2010 at 3:20am

I agree with Theresa on the point of having a "hot" service filled with the spirit and emotion and having "cold" services where the spirit does not seem to be as present. The truth is we should be listening to what the spirit says to the churches, the Holy Spirit which does in fact have a voice and is within many chosen followers.

As far as your statement, "I don't think the emotion of a crowd dictates whether or not the Lord has shown up, or not!"

I have to say this, The Lord, that is the true risen Son of God, Jesus Christ (Yeshua) has not shown up yet. He doesn't "show" up at different churches because he does not return to earth until that great day of Judgement when he gathers his church and seperates the wicked from the just.

The spirit that we feel in churches are from the kings of the earth and the holy spirit which is in certain parts of the world. I am very skeptical about some churches which do not follow the true living God and are unchristian.
They are false believers and do not have the Holy Spirit as their guide. This is an "anti-christian" power that is in these churches and that needs to be recognized. If you quiet your heart and mind and search for the truth, you can ask the Holy Spirit these questions.

1. Are these wolves in sheep's clothing?
2. Are these violent men?
3. Do they observe the 10 commandments from Moses?
4. Do they follow the spirit of truth?
5. Do they desire death on others?
6. Do they honor true wisdom?(Proverbs 8)
7. Do they follow the King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, The Most High?

Please listen everyone! Here is a great meditation while you are standing in a congregation.
Close your eyes, search your mind, heart and quietly ask the Holy Spirit these seven questions and see what your response is. Remember, the Apostles all said to not believe every spirit but rather test them to know of their fruits. You will know if the spirit is from God or from the leader of this world in which Jesus Christ himself specificaly told all of us in the gospel of John 14:30 He said, "I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me" end quote.That spirit is the spirit of the Anti-Christ who has no part with Jesus Christ nor the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 12:32
Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.

Christians, listen to me. If you don't meditate and pray for the spirit to answer you in truth, then you are not doing your job as a true believer. The Holy Spirit is not a liar. God abhors lying lips, Proverbs 12:22. Ask the spirit of truth for guidence whether you are following true believers or not. May the Holy Spirit within your temple guide you into the truth. I love all of you if you listen to wisdom and embrace the true Father, Son and Holy Spirit. My prayers are with you if you obey His commands.

Now don't be shy and message me, I'd love to hear your responses, input and tell me a joke please! I need humor in my life!. Thank you and may The Lord bless you in your ministry and worship in spirit and truth.
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Luke 20:13 "Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'

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Permalink Reply by Michael Cornett on October 31, 2010 at 2:37am

As church leaders of praise and worship we need to be very certain that we are hearing from God and following his lead. If we fall into the trap of the traditions of men, then we will just be going thru the motions of worship. Jesus said that his people would worship God in spirit and in truth. What does he mean when he says that ?

I feel that it means that we are listening to the Holy Spirit and allowing him to lead us to that place of worship where people's lives will truly be impacted and changed by the experience. When worshipers sense the truth being revealed in the service, then they surrender to the moment and enter before the throne of grace where they are face to face with the Father, which is what Jesus always did.

Not every service will turn out like that, but if we as leaders are prayed up in the word, walking daily in victory and faith, then when we lead the worship we are more able to enter God's presence and lead others there with us.

Permalink Reply by Michael on October 31, 2010 at 3:10am

Michael,

Keep leading in the church and do what you do best. Worship him in spirit and truth. Keep making the music that so many christians love and adore. Keep them filled with love of Jesus Christ and listen to what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.

Aside from christian worship, I am going to be doing something a little different with another project.
I am going to be rebuking the liars and false worshipers in a few original songs with another band.
As a good rock band once rebuked the devil worshipers, they said this,

"So when you fall to the ground, and finally get back to reality,
And no one at all is around
So tell me how does it feel to be the enemy?"
- Sevendust

I am going to be rebuking the devil worshipers, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars.
Doing what I do best, I just have to find the right drummer.

Jesus is victorious. He returns in great wrath to the world, not to sit down in churches joining in on cheesy pop songs that are a waste of breath. He comes back to conquer and establish a 1000 year reign on earth.
That is also what we should be singing through christian worship.

Blessings to all of you,

Michael

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