“Halleluyah! How good it is to sing praises to our God. How pleasant and fitting is praise. Adonai delights in those who revere Him, in those who trust in His lovingkindness.”
Psalms 147:1, 11 TLV
I had the pleasure and honor last night to raise my voice in worship alongside believers at Jesus Culture Sacramento. It may not be “home” but it felt like home as we joined voices with one purpose in mind: glorify G-d.
I read a quote recently that worship wasn’t a genre of music it was a something we DID – and that’s true! And when a worship leader and pastor LEAD a congregation in corporate worship, it’s an encounter like no other.
My dear friend and mentor asked me what my favorite points of the night were. I loved seeing the prophetic ministry to the body, I loved that everyone was actively engaged in worship, I loved the sound of the body in vertical worship – exalting G-d in unison, I loved how the Pastor modeled, instructed, and invited people to enter in before the music started, but what I loved most was the Person who came.
When we worship vertically (see May 10 blog), it invites Him. Psalms 22:3 says He is enthroned in our praise – in other words, our praise creates a resting place – a throne – for Him to sit on. THAT is what happened last night. That is what I loved most – that the Body made room for Him, extended an invitation, loudly welcomed Him, and He came.
I’ve not experienced many places like Shady Grove where the pastor goes before as the lead worshipper, the songs are all vertical instead of horizontal, and He comes so powerfully – all in one service. There’s just nothing on earth like it.
Jesus Culture is a pretty accurate name for them. They’ve created an atmosphere for His presence.
The Lord gave me a picture today of a tall kingly throne and a soft, cushy couch – the kind you see in photos of someone lying down taking to a therapist or psychiatrist. G-d spoke to my heart this morning that vertical worship creates a throne – a place for one, while horizontal worship creates a couch – a place where it’s all about me, my problems, my needs. Vertical worship is what He delights in and I personally want to delight Him. As my mentor said last night in a text, “I yearn for what I believe to be a more effective church than what it is today. It’s main emphasis be deep worship and high commitment to loving one another.”
Praise of Him is fitting. It is pleasant and appropriate – and, it delights Him. That’s something I can get on board with.
Father – thank You for Your presence last night. Draw Your body to vertical worship. Convict us of selfish singing and turn our hearts to You – to true worship of You. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Psalms 134, 146-150
June 15, 2022