Whether we admit it or not we all need encouragement, we need people to offer us a sense of hope and support at times. So, are we willing to give it? I have been thinking about encouragment ALOT over the last 6-8 weeks. I have been finding that it is so hard to encourage others at times. I don't mean that I can't think of anything to say, in fact the opposite would be true. I think of millions of words and ways to encourage people all the time but sometimes it feels like a real fight to get those things off the tip of my tongue.
I have had a couple of experiences over the past 2 months where I have been encouraged as we have been rehearsing and I was intrigued by how much my whole countenance changed. I suddenly felt part of what was happening and found the confidence to put forward my ideas again. It was soo satisfying to see my natural response to encouragement and it really challenged me to just say whatever is on my heart. Most of the time we never get told how much of an impact something we have said has had on someone else but it's eternal stuff; we get to make divine deposits in people's lives that could change the course they are taking or give them the faith, confidence or hope they need to move ahead.
"Therefore, let us encourage one another daily..." Hebrews 3:13
Encourage the people you work with, encourage your worship team, encourage whoever it is you spend time with in whatever capacity. I had a great opportunity to spend some time chatting with one of my best friends tonight who was willing to put their heart on the line and just say what they felt about who I am and the gifting God has given me regarding worship. I was hugely encouraged and I now feel a fresh wind of energy and excitement about another day along with fresh perspective in dealing with my own struggles.
We can't just assume that people know and are confident in their gifting; everyone needs encouragement.
Monday, 26 February 2007
Sunday, 25 February 2007
Reflective Practice 3
CFC Belfast 1st & 2nd Service on Sunday 25th February 2006
The JP Band played in CFC this morning and it was really good. I had a real wave of excitement last night as I was thinking about playing and the set we were going to do. It was a fantastic encouragment to see people enter into worship particularly in Johnny's new songs. The set this morning was: You are Good, Faithful One, Rescuer, Walls, Immortal Invisible and then we finished the service with Our God Reigns into How great is our God. I felt that the set worked really well, a good mix of old and new. I was watching people alot more this morning and I was really moved particularly during the worship and ministry time in the 2nd service. I could see quite a few people who were just broken before the Lord and to be honest I couldn't help but feel something of what they were feeling but I was strengthened as I was 100% convinced of God's involvement in their tears. It's just amazing seeing the beauty in pain.
The first service was fantastic which seemed to be a great encouragement to the church leadership as sometimes 1st service at 9.30 can be hard as people are just kinda waking up. Johnny shared the background behind the song 'Rescuer' which really helped people take ownership of the song and apply it to their own situation. I loved singing this song - I'll just fill you in on the words of the chorus which really moved me to a place of intimacy with God this morning. "Oh what a Saviour, freedom forever, we lift our hands with chains undone. Hearts that know mercy, cannot stay silent, we sing a song of saving love." It fitted so well with the sermon by Paul Reid who discussed primary and secondary truth. This song captures something of the simple yet incredibly powerful truth of the gospel and salvation which as Paul reminded us cannot be tampered with. I look forward to all of you hearing it when it goes on the album (which you are all going to buy!!!!!!).
We're playing in Ballinderry on Friday night and CFC on Sunday again so come and join in the fun!
The JP Band played in CFC this morning and it was really good. I had a real wave of excitement last night as I was thinking about playing and the set we were going to do. It was a fantastic encouragment to see people enter into worship particularly in Johnny's new songs. The set this morning was: You are Good, Faithful One, Rescuer, Walls, Immortal Invisible and then we finished the service with Our God Reigns into How great is our God. I felt that the set worked really well, a good mix of old and new. I was watching people alot more this morning and I was really moved particularly during the worship and ministry time in the 2nd service. I could see quite a few people who were just broken before the Lord and to be honest I couldn't help but feel something of what they were feeling but I was strengthened as I was 100% convinced of God's involvement in their tears. It's just amazing seeing the beauty in pain.
The first service was fantastic which seemed to be a great encouragement to the church leadership as sometimes 1st service at 9.30 can be hard as people are just kinda waking up. Johnny shared the background behind the song 'Rescuer' which really helped people take ownership of the song and apply it to their own situation. I loved singing this song - I'll just fill you in on the words of the chorus which really moved me to a place of intimacy with God this morning. "Oh what a Saviour, freedom forever, we lift our hands with chains undone. Hearts that know mercy, cannot stay silent, we sing a song of saving love." It fitted so well with the sermon by Paul Reid who discussed primary and secondary truth. This song captures something of the simple yet incredibly powerful truth of the gospel and salvation which as Paul reminded us cannot be tampered with. I look forward to all of you hearing it when it goes on the album (which you are all going to buy!!!!!!).
We're playing in Ballinderry on Friday night and CFC on Sunday again so come and join in the fun!
Friday, 23 February 2007
Accessibilty & Creativity
So I guess this is not the first time this issue has been discussed! Firstly, I want to point out that I don't really think that these two elements (with regards to worship) are in competition with each other. Secondly, I am not entirely sure that I have anything profound to say on the matter but I would love some feedback.
Over the past few years of leading worship my primary goals in arranging the songs were: a) ensure that people can come with us during the time of worship, and b) excellence in terms of our standard of playing. As I look back now I am wondering whether my need to pull the reigns at times with the band in terms of creativity, was maybe a cover up for my self-perceived lack of creativity. I have been on a new journey in this area since August last year when I realised that I had no confidence in the fact that I was made in the image of a creative God. I am growing in this area but still have my moments of doubt and despair yet I am convinced more than ever that God has made me a creative person.
It is a real privilege being part of a worship band where we can explore our creative ideas and push the boat out a little. It has been a great lesson for me to see that people can and do still engage with God when it doesn't sound like the latest Hilsongs, Vineyard or Delirious record. And yet as I discussed in a previous post, our leading is all about loving and pastoring the people we have been given the honour of leading to God through song.
I want to be able to embrace and work out the unique creativity God has given me in the songs and music I write but above all I want to serve the church and provide a way for people to meet with Him no matter how much time it takes to make the song interesting or how many creative ideas have to go on hold (or even get ditched) because it's about Him not me.
The question is how do we balance the two or do we even have to?
As a band we are trying to be as creative as possible whilst keeping in mind that we want the church to be able to pick up the songs and enter into worship. I am encouraged that the church are engaging and that maybe we are doing ok so far.
So, tell me your thoughts on this one!
Over the past few years of leading worship my primary goals in arranging the songs were: a) ensure that people can come with us during the time of worship, and b) excellence in terms of our standard of playing. As I look back now I am wondering whether my need to pull the reigns at times with the band in terms of creativity, was maybe a cover up for my self-perceived lack of creativity. I have been on a new journey in this area since August last year when I realised that I had no confidence in the fact that I was made in the image of a creative God. I am growing in this area but still have my moments of doubt and despair yet I am convinced more than ever that God has made me a creative person.
It is a real privilege being part of a worship band where we can explore our creative ideas and push the boat out a little. It has been a great lesson for me to see that people can and do still engage with God when it doesn't sound like the latest Hilsongs, Vineyard or Delirious record. And yet as I discussed in a previous post, our leading is all about loving and pastoring the people we have been given the honour of leading to God through song.
I want to be able to embrace and work out the unique creativity God has given me in the songs and music I write but above all I want to serve the church and provide a way for people to meet with Him no matter how much time it takes to make the song interesting or how many creative ideas have to go on hold (or even get ditched) because it's about Him not me.
The question is how do we balance the two or do we even have to?
As a band we are trying to be as creative as possible whilst keeping in mind that we want the church to be able to pick up the songs and enter into worship. I am encouraged that the church are engaging and that maybe we are doing ok so far.
So, tell me your thoughts on this one!
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
Reflective Practice 2
CFC on Sunday night with the Jaypee Band
We had a quick practice before leading worship at CFC on Sunday evening and a great opportunity to spend a bit of time praying before the service which really made all the difference. It's always so helpful for me to just have that time to commit our songs and hearts to God again. When I pray in these circumstances I seem to find a new place of humility before God and sense His pleasure over the band as we seek to serve Him. What a privilege to serve with a group of people who are so passionate about the Lord and His kingdom but also people who just love music and want to write good songs.
We tried out a few new songs which seemed to go down a treat particularly 'Rescuer' which is still under construction but the crafting process is leading to a very strong worship song which seems to be leading people to a place of thankfulness to God and recognition of Him as our Saviour. I am a firm believer that our worship songs shape our theology more than the sermons we hear and so it is good to sing songs about simple yet powerful truth.
I think the evening was a huge encouragement to the church in that many young people found the courage and boldness to speak out their prayers for this city and this island. Worship is such a beautiful thing in that it softens our hearts toward God and so I trust that what we did helped people meet with God and create a space for Him to speak to the church and impart something of His heart for the broken in our society.
We had a quick practice before leading worship at CFC on Sunday evening and a great opportunity to spend a bit of time praying before the service which really made all the difference. It's always so helpful for me to just have that time to commit our songs and hearts to God again. When I pray in these circumstances I seem to find a new place of humility before God and sense His pleasure over the band as we seek to serve Him. What a privilege to serve with a group of people who are so passionate about the Lord and His kingdom but also people who just love music and want to write good songs.
We tried out a few new songs which seemed to go down a treat particularly 'Rescuer' which is still under construction but the crafting process is leading to a very strong worship song which seems to be leading people to a place of thankfulness to God and recognition of Him as our Saviour. I am a firm believer that our worship songs shape our theology more than the sermons we hear and so it is good to sing songs about simple yet powerful truth.
I think the evening was a huge encouragement to the church in that many young people found the courage and boldness to speak out their prayers for this city and this island. Worship is such a beautiful thing in that it softens our hearts toward God and so I trust that what we did helped people meet with God and create a space for Him to speak to the church and impart something of His heart for the broken in our society.
Monday, 12 February 2007
Integrity
I've been looking at how the dictionary defines integrity and there seem to be 3 main areas that make this definition complete:
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : INCORRUPTIBILITY
2 : an unimpaired condition : SOUNDNESS
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : COMPLETENESS
I've been reading the book of Daniel this week and as I've been studying it Jesus' words (as found in John) "God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" have come to mind. This verse screams out INTEGRITY to me. I am constantly challenged about this as I set about leading worship. I feel the need to ask myself "Is what I'm doing here a true reflection of the life I am living out?"
Honestly, my heart is divided much more than I would care to admit at times.
I have been thinking about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and their perspective of God (Daniel Ch.3). They refused to bow down to the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had summoned the people to worship. They must have known that they would be found out and be sentenced to death but still they obeyed God. It seems that rather than judge the situation according to the king's threat or the fiery furnace they had their eyes fixed firmly on God. They had an eternal perspective and maybe the sense of the Father's smile as they walked in obedience and so they were not moved by the earthly consequences. When we recognise God's great power what can we do but submit to Him and be seen as wholly belonging to Him.
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : INCORRUPTIBILITY
2 : an unimpaired condition : SOUNDNESS
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : COMPLETENESS
I've been reading the book of Daniel this week and as I've been studying it Jesus' words (as found in John) "God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" have come to mind. This verse screams out INTEGRITY to me. I am constantly challenged about this as I set about leading worship. I feel the need to ask myself "Is what I'm doing here a true reflection of the life I am living out?"
Honestly, my heart is divided much more than I would care to admit at times.
I have been thinking about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and their perspective of God (Daniel Ch.3). They refused to bow down to the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had summoned the people to worship. They must have known that they would be found out and be sentenced to death but still they obeyed God. It seems that rather than judge the situation according to the king's threat or the fiery furnace they had their eyes fixed firmly on God. They had an eternal perspective and maybe the sense of the Father's smile as they walked in obedience and so they were not moved by the earthly consequences. When we recognise God's great power what can we do but submit to Him and be seen as wholly belonging to Him.
Wednesday, 7 February 2007
Reflective Practice
I have decided to catalogue a reflection of all the worship events I am involved in under the heading "Reflective Practice'.
On Monday evening I was involved in leading worship at Queen's CU as part of an evening of intercession. I was very glad to have my good husband playing guitar for me and my recently engaged brother playing Djembe. I was unsure as to what to expect but I came away feeling very positive and convinced that the students had met with God.
I felt led to begin with the song 'Purify my heart' in order that I might help bring people to a place of submission; a place where people would be reminded again of the holiness of our God and our need to be holy. I was very encouraged by how quickly people entered into worship. We moved into a time of praise declaring God's faithfulness to us and although people seemed to enjoy this I was still struck by the peace and stillness God had brought at the beginning. I then felt I should sing the song 'Consuming Fire' and was particularly struck by the 2nd verse..."Come like the rushing wind, clothe us with power from on high. Now set the captives free, leave us abandoned to Your praise". I could have continued singing this verse all night (but didn't!).
I was once again reminded of our call on earth..."The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;" I hope that as I lead worship that the broken-hearted find healing and those who feel bound will find freedom.
On Monday evening I was involved in leading worship at Queen's CU as part of an evening of intercession. I was very glad to have my good husband playing guitar for me and my recently engaged brother playing Djembe. I was unsure as to what to expect but I came away feeling very positive and convinced that the students had met with God.
I felt led to begin with the song 'Purify my heart' in order that I might help bring people to a place of submission; a place where people would be reminded again of the holiness of our God and our need to be holy. I was very encouraged by how quickly people entered into worship. We moved into a time of praise declaring God's faithfulness to us and although people seemed to enjoy this I was still struck by the peace and stillness God had brought at the beginning. I then felt I should sing the song 'Consuming Fire' and was particularly struck by the 2nd verse..."Come like the rushing wind, clothe us with power from on high. Now set the captives free, leave us abandoned to Your praise". I could have continued singing this verse all night (but didn't!).
I was once again reminded of our call on earth..."The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;" I hope that as I lead worship that the broken-hearted find healing and those who feel bound will find freedom.
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