Chapters 3&4 Critique/Summary Theme/ Key Scripture Reflection – Min. Jessica Lee
The apostle Paul described true worship perfectly in Romans 12:1-2 This passage contains all the elements of true worship. First, there is the motivation to worship: “the mercies of God.” God’s mercies are everything He has given us that we don’t deserve eternal love, eternal grace, the Holy Spirit, everlasting peace, eternal joy, saving faith, comfort, strength, wisdom, hope, patience, kindness, honor, glory, righteousness, security, eternal life, forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, freedom, intercession and much more. The knowledge and understanding of these incredible gifts motivate us to pour forth praise and thanksgiving—in other words, worship!
Also in the scripture is a description of the manner of our worship. Presenting our bodies means giving to God all of ourselves. All of ourselves—our hearts, minds, hands, thoughts, attitudes—are to be presented to God. In other words, we are to give up control of these things and turn them over to Him, just as a literal sacrifice was given totally to God on the altar. But how? Again, the passage is clear: “by the renewing of your mind.” We renew our minds daily by cleansing them of the world’s “wisdom” and replacing it with true wisdom that comes from God. We worship Him with our renewed and cleansed minds, not with our emotions. Emotions are wonderful things, but unless they are shaped by a mind saturated in Truth, they can be destructive, out-of-control forces. Where the mind goes, the will follows, and so do the emotions. There is only one way to renew our minds, and that is by the Word of God. True worship is not confined to what we do in church or open praise (although these things are both good, and we are told in the Bible to do them). True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him.
Key Scripture Psalm 51:17
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Isaiah 57:15
A contrite heart or spirit is when a person’s inner man or will has been broken so they no longer run after the things they want but surrender to the things that God wants. A broken heart or will says I will no longer do this my way or on my terms, but I will surrender to your ways. This type of heart, that is fully surrendered to God, he will never turn away. Sacrifice only works if you are willing to offer up something of real value to you. If what you are offering has no value, then it is not a sacrifice. Consider this…. Are you willing to lay down everything you are and everything you want, which includes your hopes, dreams, plans, and your future?
When we come to the place where we can lay down everything, we want to take on what God wants for our life, we are offering something of real value to God. Is it any wonder that he would not reject this type of sacrifice? What God desires is a heart that is contrite. A heart that is crushed over any presence of sin in your life and surrendered to the plan he has for your life. If you will live your life with these two things at the forefront, if you will allow them to guide how you live and how you make decisions, you will put your heart in a position that God will never despise. What God is after is not just Christians who know the facts, who can quote all the verses, who may even know all the Greek or Hebrew. All that is great and wonderful. However, as wonderful as that is, what God is after is your heart. The truth is if your heart is not yielded, broken, and contrite, then knowing the facts doesn’t mean that much.
Song by Abigail Miller on Psalm 51:17, “The Sacrifices of God” is a peaceful melody supporting the softened openness of a broken heart before God. Suggested for listening during this study. https://youtu.be/DzQE_ho46bw
Composed by King David as a confession to God, Psalm 51:17 expresses humanity’ need for confession and forgiveness as spirit broken repentant believers before our sovereign God. Overcoming obstacles such as fear of unworthiness, guilt, pride, societal rejection, doubt, unforgiveness and anger are some of the hurdles that many find challenging to overcome. However, even for those who have not yet confessed Jesus as their Savior His love keeps the way to safety in Him open. Sincerity of heart is God’s pleasure. A performance for show means nothing. Only the human sacrifice of self in faith before our sovereign God is acceptable. The God desired state of a confessing heart is seen in its fullness when reading these three versions of the scripture. Psalm 51:17 NIV “broken and contrite heart” - (a state of extreme grief or sorrow) and (filled with a sense of guilt over the wrongdoing and the desire to repent for the sin) Psalm 51:17 TPT …my shattered heart - (into many pieces as with a hammer) Psalm 51:17 MSG Heart-shattered lives - (lifestyle)
Just like David, we sometimes make decisions that bring weighty consequences. Thankfully, we have the promises of God’s mercy and Grace. Psalm 51:17 draws vivid relatable word pictures. They are helpful for recall and sharing when combatting mental / emotional imprisoning thoughts.
Chapters 3 & 4 Assignment - Text Reflections The text describes God’s recipe for music and worship using Psalm 96:1-9. When mixed together a continuous worship experience is created. The ingredients included express our love, devotion and thankfulness. Singing a new song daily praising our relationship and sovereignty of our Lord. Evangelizing, sharing testimonies of His love, mercy and grace. Reaching out to the unchurched, homeless…all who are without a personal relationship with Jesus. Giving with the right motives. Honoring Him in service, time, talent and finances. Reverence, the steadfastness to His holiness with a heart for prayer in private and corporate settings. Feeding on the Truth. Through the range of materials and study methods the Holy Spirit works to strengthen hearts. In the example of Ezra reading to the people what stood out were the pictures. He was visible to all above them blessing the Lord to the responses of agreement with lifted hands as the Levites sang for greater understanding. The completed recipe, a life of heartfelt praise representative of God in heaven ministering to and with His people in Word and song. To effectively use the recipe the “brokenness principle” must be applied. The analogy of horse breaking demonstrates the stepped process of gentle breaking. The attributes of humanness are in this sense not unlike a wild horse made tame. At first it bucks and gallops in every direction. When lassoed and corralled the first bit placement of training can begin. This requires a trainer’s gentle spirit to slowly create the trusting environment in which the horse will exhibit the desired response of allowing a rider to place on his back first a blanket, then a saddle, then a human rider. It has undergone a broken wild spirit. It is able to serve, accept guidance and protection. As worshipers, God is our all-in all in spirit and truth now and forever.
Rufus Matthew Jones states that “worship is the act of rising to a personal experimental consciousness of the real presence of God.” Webster defines experimental as something that is untested, new or innovative, even radical. Consciousness refers to one’s state of awareness or perception. Mr. Jones seems to imply that we have to be willing to step outside of the traditional methods to achieve the state of awareness of the presence of God.
There are tried and true methods of worship, that have been used to “usher in” the holy spirit. But the Psalmist reminds us that we are to sing unto the lord a new song. Some interpret this statement both literally and figuratively. In some circumstances an actual new song may be the mechanism that is needed. In other instances, it may be an old song with a new arrangement, or better yet an old song, sung with a new spirit of understanding and worship.
What matters is that we bless the name of Jehovah. Declare his glory. Worship him in spirit and truth. Enter his presence with reverence. This will require us to be willing to be set apart, to be holy (dedicated to God). The Word of God is truth, and the holy spirit uses this truth to capture our hearts. The holy spirit uses this truth to speak through us. This truth becomes a part of us and transforms us from the inside out. In Discipleship we learn that we must spend time with the Master through six disciplines (1) Spend time with the Master (2) Live in the Word (3) Pray in Faith (4) Fellowship with Believers (5) Witness to the World (6) Minister to others. As the word of truth is firmly implanted in us, we know more of God, and the more we know of him, the more we love him. The more we love him, the more we submit and obey him. The more we submit and obey him, the more he reveals himself to us through his blessing. The more he blesses us, the more we want to learn more about him, and so on.
When we are saved and have accepted Jesus Christ, the holy spirit dwells within us. (1Corinthians 3:16) Through the holy spirit God will use us for his good purpose. (Philippians 2;13)
08/22/20217 Key Scripture Reflection The Brokeness Principle Psalm 51:17 TPT
Part of our worship is the offering up of our bodies as living sacrifices. To sacrifice a thing mean you have to surrender a possession. In Worship, we are surrendering ourselves. This is huge, and not an easy task. We are created in God's image, with a will, and the ability to choose. When we surrender, we turn our will over to God.
Chapter 4 states that the brokenness principle as being, “in order to be a worshipper, one must be broken.” So this means, anyone can be a worshipper. Since Adam and Eve separated themselves from God through their disobedience, all humanity has been broken. God has provided us a lifeline in Jesus. Many do not accept the lifeline and acknowledge their brokenness and the need to reconcile with God. And, when we do accept Jesus, we still have levels of brokenness, due to our imperfect nature.
The psalmist at chapter 51 verse 17 reminds us that our sacrifice also includes our shattered heart, according to the passion translation (TPT). Shattered, indicating pieces, and God recognizes the delicacy of our brokenness, of our condition and does not despise our sacrifice, even though it may be in pieces. Because he knows where we are (spiritually, in our relationship with him) at the time of our sacrifice and meets us at that place.
In the reading we have the example of David, with Bathsheba and Peter, with Jesus. Both, men of God. David is known as a man after God’s own heart yet did not submit his will to God’s will when it came to Bathsheba; even covering up his sin, to the point of conspiring to have Uriah (Bathsheba’s husband) him killed. Peter, who dropped everything and walked away from his life, when Jesus called him to “make him and his brother fishers of men” did not submit fully to Jesus when he stepped out of the boat onto the water; as is evident by his starting to sink. Yet God did not despise their sacrifices. At some point, both men recognized that God was the only one to rescue them from their situation. David was filled with remorse and acknowledged his sin as asked for forgiveness. God forgave him and let him live, but the consequence was as Nehemiah told him the child (with Bathsheba) would die. As for Peter, when he realized he was drowning, he cried out to Jesus to save him. It is interesting to note, that both men actions, that amplified their brokenness, was due to fear. David feared his sin being exposed, and Peter feared death. And yet, God did not despise their worship.
As we discussed last week, our worship should be our lifestyle. Even though we are certain to fall short sometimes, due to the selfish, fleshly part of our nature, forgiveness is available to us. Jesus paid for that.
8/21/21 KWU 59 Blog Sunday 8/22 Week 3 –8/23-8/27 Chapters 3-4 Weekly Theme Reflections for Chapters 3-4 (250 w.) Weekly Materal Critique for Chapters 3-4 ( 300w.) Theme :” Brokenness Principle” Key Scripture : “ Psalm 51:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Chapter 2 page 41 According to Psalm 51:12-17 the appropriate sacrifice of worship is a broken spirit. The “brokenness principle” Is this: In order to be a worshiper, one must be broken. And God is in the business of using broken people. Jesus said that He came to “bind up the brokenhearted” ( Isa. 61:1-3; see also Luke 4:17-21). To be a worshiper we are required to be broken. In David case his Sins were severe enough that sacrifice was not acceptable {vs. 16} According to God this Sin required a cutting away from the community in many cases meant death Ps. 31:22. David asked for forgiveness Blot-Out …wash away, and cleanse Yahweh is near to those who are broken and humble as opposed who have a heart of stone. Only God can change a heart. ( Ezk 11:19;36:26) Come, change your position. It has to be a change, Come unto me who are heavy laden. Humble your selves before the LORD. I remember and experienced a Coming position. Yielding, He heard my Cry Just as I am without one plea. Fall down and Worship Him, Come. Action- verb The Hebrew language combine two words to describe the word “brokenhearted” . The two words they combine is shabar and leb. shabar – to burst . Also this word is used to describe a shattered heart or emotion (Psalm 69:20; Ezekiel 6:9) Learn the Word leb- feelings, will, intellect; the center of anything. This word is translated into ‘heart’ 508 times. Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This is who we are: the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.
Chapter 3 & 4 Critique Chap. 3 page 32-34. Psalm 96: God’s Recipe for Worship 5 ingredients 1. Sing unto the Lord a new song (vv. 1-2) 2. Second Ingredient: “ Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people (vv.3-6) Worship is about evangelism. There is no more powerful testimony than a changed heart. 3. The third ingredient” Give unto the Lord” ( vv.7-8 KJV) Worship is all about giving. Our gifts are given as sacrifices to the Lord. Giving involves four areas when related to public and private worship..
4. The fourth ingredient : Enter the presence of God with reverence and prayer (vv.8-9) Coming before the God “in the beauty of holiness” (v. 9 KJV) 5. The fifth ingredient : Feed on the truth of God’s Word (vv.10-13) Worship includes preaching and feeding on the truth of God Chapter 4 How to be worshipers What is meant by being broken? Pg. 42-44 1. Broken in Spirit 1. One must be broken of any attitude that is contrary to the Holy Spirit in his or life 2. To be broken in spirt, one must be broken of arrogance and haughtiness. 3. Third to be a worshiper, you must be broken of “self-centered ambitions.” 2. Broken of Self 1. Broken in Self; Broken in spirit is the first step in becoming a worshiper. God wants our broken spirit to be given to Him as a sacrifice of praise. 2. “Brokenness principle” – Question “ From wat are we actually broken”? a. Self b. Self -centerless c. Self- sufficiency
Brokenness Principle pg.46 1. First there is a process experienced when being broken 2. There is always a price to be paid 3. There is always a process and path to restoration for the broken 4. Only through the power of the Redeemer can a broken life be redeemed, rewpaired and restored. 3. Broken and Surrendered Pg. 48-49 Most difficult in “brokenness principle” in people why? It involves submission of will , relinquishing and abandoning our self –desires (carnal desires) Songs I need thee every hour I surrender all.
Reflections on Chapters 3-4 - 08/22/2021 Stephanie Tucker
Brokeness isn’t a term usually used when discussing worship and it really stuck out to me how it was aligned in the reading. But it makes so much sense now that the writer broke the correlation apart and reconstructed it.
Often in today’s churches, I’ve noticed that there is a lack of reverence for the almighty God. We enter into the sanctuary most times as takers waiting to receive from the pastor, to receive from the choir, to receive from others in the congregation and then we return to our homes in the same state in which we left.
When God is reverenced, there is a deeper level of humility and reverence that is required when you are worshiping in spirit and truth. I have been guilty of going to church to receive, whether it was a good word or a healing touch or even interaction with others. But now that I have grown in Christ, I realize that the relationship with our Father requires so much more than the superficial. As David stated, it requires a contrite spirit, one of true repentance. It requires honor for the one that made us and is faithful to us consistently. It requires me giving all of myself to the one who gave all of Himself for me.
When I worship before the people in the sanctuary, I have total joy because I know the greatness and goodness of God. I know what He has done in my life. I know the depth of the conversations with Him and I know things He has brought me out of and through. I minister with everything that is in me and my goal is to please Him with my praise. My ministering is directly to Him and the bonus is for someone to see the joy I have for the Lord and it becomes infectious – INFECTIOUS PRAISE from a broken spirit that thrives in a full and true relationship with God!
I remember when I was dealing with a certain sin in my life and I wanted it to be removed from my life. I didn't want to battle it any more. I finally went before God in complete tears and in the midst of my almost uncontrollable sobs, I begged Him to help me, to deliver me from it, to remove it from my very heart. I didn't even fully believe that I was worthy of ministry, leadership or worship but I fully repented any way. Over time, as I continued to pray on this sin, God began to heal me piece by piece, day by day. He strengthened me over time and the Holy Spirit began to reveal scriptures to me that ministered to my very broken spirit.
Over time, I began to believe in redemption again. I began to see the change in my life. I had gone before God at one of the darkest moments of my life and He showed me His grace and bestowed His Mercy upon me in the most loving way. I sincerely desired to close the chasm between myself and Him. In return, He took my hand and guided me over the enormous divide and brought me right back to where I was intended to be.
Ever since that time, my heart has belonged to Him. It is evidenced in my praise and worship and He now uses me to encourage others who feel there is no hope. This scripture reminds me that God really wants you to bring ALL to Him and then TRUST HIM all the way through, no matter how long the journey. There is beauty in brokenness and for that beauty and hope, I give Him all of me with all of my praise.
Chapters 3&4 Critique/Summary
ReplyDeleteTheme/ Key Scripture Reflection – Min. Jessica Lee
The apostle Paul described true worship perfectly in Romans 12:1-2
This passage contains all the elements of true worship. First, there is the motivation to worship: “the mercies of God.” God’s mercies are everything He has given us that we don’t deserve eternal love, eternal grace, the Holy Spirit, everlasting peace, eternal joy, saving faith, comfort, strength, wisdom, hope, patience, kindness, honor, glory, righteousness, security, eternal life, forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, freedom, intercession and much more. The knowledge and understanding of these incredible gifts motivate us to pour forth praise and thanksgiving—in other words, worship!
Also in the scripture is a description of the manner of our worship. Presenting our bodies means giving to God all of ourselves. All of ourselves—our hearts, minds, hands, thoughts, attitudes—are to be presented to God. In other words, we are to give up control of these things and turn them over to Him, just as a literal sacrifice was given totally to God on the altar. But how? Again, the passage is clear: “by the renewing of your mind.” We renew our minds daily by cleansing them of the world’s “wisdom” and replacing it with true wisdom that comes from God. We worship Him with our renewed and cleansed minds, not with our emotions. Emotions are wonderful things, but unless they are shaped by a mind saturated in Truth, they can be destructive, out-of-control forces. Where the mind goes, the will follows, and so do the emotions. There is only one way to renew our minds, and that is by the Word of God. True worship is not confined to what we do in church or open praise (although these things are both good, and we are told in the Bible to do them). True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him.
Key Scripture Psalm 51:17
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Isaiah 57:15
A contrite heart or spirit is when a person’s inner man or will has been broken so they no longer run after the things they want but surrender to the things that God wants. A broken heart or will says I will no longer do this my way or on my terms, but I will surrender to your ways. This type of heart, that is fully surrendered to God, he will never turn away. Sacrifice only works if you are willing to offer up something of real value to you. If what you are offering has no value, then it is not a sacrifice. Consider this…. Are you willing to lay down everything you are and everything you want, which includes your hopes, dreams, plans, and your future?
When we come to the place where we can lay down everything, we want to take on what God wants for our life, we are offering something of real value to God. Is it any wonder that he would not reject this type of sacrifice? What God desires is a heart that is contrite. A heart that is crushed over any presence of sin in your life and surrendered to the plan he has for your life. If you will live your life with these two things at the forefront, if you will allow them to guide how you live and how you make decisions, you will put your heart in a position that God will never despise. What God is after is not just Christians who know the facts, who can quote all the verses, who may even know all the Greek or Hebrew. All that is great and wonderful. However, as wonderful as that is, what God is after is your heart. The truth is if your heart is not yielded, broken, and contrite, then knowing the facts doesn’t mean that much.
Chapters 3 & 4 Assignment - Scripture Reflections - Psalm 51:17
ReplyDeleteSong by Abigail Miller on Psalm 51:17, “The Sacrifices of God” is a peaceful melody supporting the softened openness of a broken heart before God. Suggested for listening during this study.
https://youtu.be/DzQE_ho46bw
Composed by King David as a confession to God, Psalm 51:17 expresses humanity’ need for confession and forgiveness as spirit broken repentant believers before our sovereign God. Overcoming obstacles such as fear of unworthiness, guilt, pride, societal rejection, doubt, unforgiveness and anger are some of the hurdles that many find challenging to overcome. However, even for those who have not yet confessed Jesus as their Savior His love keeps the way to safety in Him open. Sincerity of heart is God’s pleasure. A performance for show means nothing. Only the human sacrifice of self in faith before our sovereign God is acceptable.
The God desired state of a confessing heart is seen in its fullness when reading these three versions of the scripture.
Psalm 51:17 NIV “broken and contrite heart” - (a state of extreme grief or sorrow) and (filled with a sense of guilt over the wrongdoing and the desire to repent for the sin)
Psalm 51:17 TPT …my shattered heart - (into many pieces as with a hammer)
Psalm 51:17 MSG Heart-shattered lives - (lifestyle)
Just like David, we sometimes make decisions that bring weighty consequences. Thankfully, we have the promises of God’s mercy and Grace. Psalm 51:17 draws vivid relatable word pictures. They are helpful for recall and sharing when combatting mental / emotional imprisoning thoughts.
Chapters 3 & 4 Assignment - Text Reflections
The text describes God’s recipe for music and worship using Psalm 96:1-9. When mixed together a continuous worship experience is created. The ingredients included express our love, devotion and thankfulness. Singing a new song daily praising our relationship and sovereignty of our Lord. Evangelizing, sharing testimonies of His love, mercy and grace. Reaching out to the unchurched, homeless…all who are without a personal relationship with Jesus. Giving with the right motives. Honoring Him in service, time, talent and finances. Reverence, the steadfastness to His holiness with a heart for prayer in private and corporate settings. Feeding on the Truth. Through the range of materials and study methods the Holy Spirit works to strengthen hearts. In the example of Ezra reading to the people what stood out were the pictures. He was visible to all above them blessing the Lord to the responses of agreement with lifted hands as the Levites sang for greater understanding. The completed recipe, a life of heartfelt praise representative of God in heaven ministering to and with His people in Word and song.
To effectively use the recipe the “brokenness principle” must be applied. The analogy of horse breaking demonstrates the stepped process of gentle breaking. The attributes of humanness are in this sense not unlike a wild horse made tame. At first it bucks and gallops in every direction. When lassoed and corralled the first bit placement of training can begin. This requires a trainer’s gentle spirit to slowly create the trusting environment in which the horse will exhibit the desired response of allowing a rider to place on his back first a blanket, then a saddle, then a human rider. It has undergone a broken wild spirit. It is able to serve, accept guidance and protection. As worshipers, God is our all-in all in spirit and truth now and forever.
Keyboard Exercise being sent via email.
08/22/20217
ReplyDeleteWeekly Theme/ Chapter 3 &4
The Brokenness Principle
Psalm 51:17 TPT
Rufus Matthew Jones states that “worship is the act of rising to a personal experimental consciousness of the real presence of God.” Webster defines experimental as something that is untested, new or innovative, even radical. Consciousness refers to one’s state of awareness or perception. Mr. Jones seems to imply that we have to be willing to step outside of the traditional methods to achieve the state of awareness of the presence of God.
There are tried and true methods of worship, that have been used to “usher in” the holy spirit. But the Psalmist reminds us that we are to sing unto the lord a new song. Some interpret this statement both literally and figuratively. In some circumstances an actual new song may be the mechanism that is needed. In other instances, it may be an old song with a new arrangement, or better yet an old song, sung with a new spirit of understanding and worship.
What matters is that we bless the name of Jehovah. Declare his glory. Worship him in spirit and truth. Enter his presence with reverence. This will require us to be willing to be set apart, to be holy (dedicated to God). The Word of God is truth, and the holy spirit uses this truth to capture our hearts. The holy spirit uses this truth to speak through us. This truth becomes a part of us and transforms us from the inside out. In Discipleship we learn that we must spend time with the Master through six disciplines (1) Spend time with the Master (2) Live in the Word (3) Pray in Faith (4) Fellowship with Believers (5) Witness to the World (6) Minister to others. As the word of truth is firmly implanted in us, we know more of God, and the more we know of him, the more we love him. The more we love him, the more we submit and obey him. The more we submit and obey him, the more he reveals himself to us through his blessing. The more he blesses us, the more we want to learn more about him, and so on.
When we are saved and have accepted Jesus Christ, the holy spirit dwells within us. (1Corinthians 3:16) Through the holy spirit God will use us for his good purpose. (Philippians 2;13)
08/22/20217
ReplyDeleteKey Scripture Reflection
The Brokeness Principle
Psalm 51:17 TPT
Part of our worship is the offering up of our bodies as living sacrifices. To sacrifice a thing mean you have to surrender a possession. In Worship, we are surrendering ourselves. This is huge, and not an easy task. We are created in God's image, with a will, and the ability to choose. When we surrender, we turn our will over to God.
Chapter 4 states that the brokenness principle as being, “in order to be a worshipper, one must be broken.” So this means, anyone can be a worshipper. Since Adam and Eve separated themselves from God through their disobedience, all humanity has been broken. God has provided us a lifeline in Jesus. Many do not accept the lifeline and acknowledge their brokenness and the need to reconcile with God. And, when we do accept Jesus, we still have levels of brokenness, due to our imperfect nature.
The psalmist at chapter 51 verse 17 reminds us that our sacrifice also includes our shattered heart, according to the passion translation (TPT). Shattered, indicating pieces, and God recognizes the delicacy of our brokenness, of our condition and does not despise our sacrifice, even though it may be in pieces. Because he knows where we are (spiritually, in our relationship with him) at the time of our sacrifice and meets us at that place.
In the reading we have the example of David, with Bathsheba and Peter, with Jesus. Both, men of God. David is known as a man after God’s own heart yet did not submit his will to God’s will when it came to Bathsheba; even covering up his sin, to the point of conspiring to have Uriah (Bathsheba’s husband) him killed. Peter, who dropped everything and walked away from his life, when Jesus called him to “make him and his brother fishers of men” did not submit fully to Jesus when he stepped out of the boat onto the water; as is evident by his starting to sink. Yet God did not despise their sacrifices. At some point, both men recognized that God was the only one to rescue them from their situation. David was filled with remorse and acknowledged his sin as asked for forgiveness. God forgave him and let him live, but the consequence was as Nehemiah told him the child (with Bathsheba) would die. As for Peter, when he realized he was drowning, he cried out to Jesus to save him. It is interesting to note, that both men actions, that amplified their brokenness, was due to fear. David feared his sin being exposed, and Peter feared death. And yet, God did not despise their worship.
As we discussed last week, our worship should be our lifestyle. Even though we are certain to fall short sometimes, due to the selfish, fleshly part of our nature, forgiveness is available to us. Jesus paid for that.
8/21/21
ReplyDeleteKWU 59 Blog
Sunday 8/22
Week 3 –8/23-8/27
Chapters 3-4
Weekly Theme Reflections for Chapters 3-4 (250 w.)
Weekly Materal Critique for Chapters 3-4 ( 300w.)
Theme :” Brokenness Principle”
Key Scripture : “ Psalm 51:17
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
Chapter 2 page 41 According to Psalm 51:12-17 the appropriate sacrifice of worship is a broken spirit. The “brokenness principle” Is this: In order to be a worshiper, one must be broken. And God is in the business of using broken people. Jesus said that He came to “bind up the brokenhearted” ( Isa. 61:1-3; see also Luke 4:17-21). To be a worshiper we are required to be broken.
In David case his Sins were severe enough that sacrifice was not acceptable {vs. 16} According to God this Sin required a cutting away from the community in many cases meant death Ps. 31:22. David asked for forgiveness Blot-Out …wash away, and cleanse
Yahweh is near to those who are broken and humble as opposed who have a heart of stone. Only God can change a heart.
( Ezk 11:19;36:26)
Come, change your position. It has to be a change, Come unto me who are heavy laden. Humble your selves before the LORD. I remember and experienced a Coming position. Yielding, He heard my Cry Just as I am without one plea. Fall down and Worship Him, Come. Action- verb
The Hebrew language combine two words to describe the word “brokenhearted” . The two words they combine is shabar and leb.
shabar – to burst . Also this word is used to describe a shattered heart or emotion (Psalm 69:20; Ezekiel 6:9)
Learn the Word
leb- feelings, will, intellect; the center of anything.
This word is translated into ‘heart’ 508 times.
Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This is who we are: the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.
Chapter 3 & 4 Critique
Chap. 3 page 32-34. Psalm 96: God’s Recipe for Worship 5 ingredients
1. Sing unto the Lord a new song (vv. 1-2)
2. Second Ingredient: “ Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people (vv.3-6) Worship is about evangelism. There is no more powerful testimony than a changed heart.
3. The third ingredient” Give unto the Lord” ( vv.7-8 KJV) Worship is all about giving. Our gifts are given as sacrifices to the Lord. Giving involves four areas when related to public and private worship..
4. The fourth ingredient : Enter the presence of God with reverence and prayer (vv.8-9) Coming before the God “in the beauty of holiness” (v. 9 KJV)
5. The fifth ingredient : Feed on the truth of God’s Word (vv.10-13) Worship includes preaching and feeding on the truth of God
Chapter 4
How to be worshipers
What is meant by being broken? Pg. 42-44
1. Broken in Spirit
1. One must be broken of any attitude that is contrary to the Holy Spirit in his or life
2. To be broken in spirt, one must be broken of arrogance and haughtiness.
3. Third to be a worshiper, you must be broken of “self-centered ambitions.”
2. Broken of Self
1. Broken in Self; Broken in spirit is the first step in becoming a worshiper. God wants our broken spirit to be given to Him as a sacrifice of praise.
2. “Brokenness principle” – Question “ From wat are we actually broken”?
a. Self
b. Self -centerless
c. Self- sufficiency
Brokenness Principle pg.46
1. First there is a process experienced when being broken
2. There is always a price to be paid
3. There is always a process and path to restoration for the broken
4. Only through the power of the Redeemer can a broken life be redeemed, rewpaired and restored.
3. Broken and Surrendered Pg. 48-49
Most difficult in “brokenness principle” in people why? It involves submission of will , relinquishing and abandoning our self –desires (carnal desires)
Songs
I need thee every hour
I surrender all.
Reflections on Chapters 3-4 - 08/22/2021
ReplyDeleteStephanie Tucker
Brokeness isn’t a term usually used when discussing worship and it really stuck out to me how it was aligned in the reading. But it makes so much sense now that the writer broke the correlation apart and reconstructed it.
Often in today’s churches, I’ve noticed that there is a lack of reverence for the almighty God. We enter into the sanctuary most times as takers waiting to receive from the pastor, to receive from the choir, to receive from others in the congregation and then we return to our homes in the same state in which we left.
When God is reverenced, there is a deeper level of humility and reverence that is required when you are worshiping in spirit and truth. I have been guilty of going to church to receive, whether it was a good word or a healing touch or even interaction with others. But now that I have grown in Christ, I realize that the relationship with our Father requires so much more than the superficial. As David stated, it requires a contrite spirit, one of true repentance. It requires honor for the one that made us and is faithful to us consistently. It requires me giving all of myself to the one who gave all of Himself for me.
When I worship before the people in the sanctuary, I have total joy because I know the greatness and goodness of God. I know what He has done in my life. I know the depth of the conversations with Him and I know things He has brought me out of and through. I minister with everything that is in me and my goal is to please Him with my praise. My ministering is directly to Him and the bonus is for someone to see the joy I have for the Lord and it becomes infectious – INFECTIOUS PRAISE from a broken spirit that thrives in a full and true relationship with God!
Stephanie Tucker
Key Scripture Reflection (Ps 51:17)
ReplyDelete08/22/2021
Stephanie Tucker
I remember when I was dealing with a certain sin in my life and I wanted it to be removed from my life. I didn't want to battle it any more. I finally went before God in complete tears and in the midst of my almost uncontrollable sobs, I begged Him to help me, to deliver me from it, to remove it from my very heart. I didn't even fully believe that I was worthy of ministry, leadership or worship but I fully repented any way. Over time, as I continued to pray on this sin, God began to heal me piece by piece, day by day. He strengthened me over time and the Holy Spirit began to reveal scriptures to me that ministered to my very broken spirit.
Over time, I began to believe in redemption again. I began to see the change in my life. I had gone before God at one of the darkest moments of my life and He showed me His grace and bestowed His Mercy upon me in the most loving way. I sincerely desired to close the chasm between myself and Him. In return, He took my hand and guided me over the enormous divide and brought me right back to where I was intended to be.
Ever since that time, my heart has belonged to Him. It is evidenced in my praise and worship and He now uses me to encourage others who feel there is no hope. This scripture reminds me that God really wants you to bring ALL to Him and then TRUST HIM all the way through, no matter how long the journey. There is beauty in brokenness and for that beauty and hope, I give Him all of me with all of my praise.