“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Col 3:16 (NIV) It is possible to worship the act of worship. When you become consumed with your personal preferences and neglect embracing the true focus of worship, you start worshiping worship. Often we ask the wrong question, “What do I like in worship?” If worshiping God becomes horizontal, the focus shifts to personal preferences. The proper question to ask when it comes to worship is, “What moves the heart of God?” Worship is not about what I like but all about what moves the heart of God. My orientation moves from inward to upward. My focus becomes vertical. Does my expression of worship move the heart of God? Am I singing songs with gratitude in my heart to God? Assess your private worship and your public worship. Think through what you are bringing to the worship experience. Is God the object of your expression of affection? Does God get your best? Put gratitude in your attitude and bring your worship to God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
Category: Vertical
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’” “‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.’” Mark 12:28-31 (NIV) What really matters in this life? It depends on your point of reference. If you are living for what can be seen, then the answer may be very complex. However, if you are living for that which is unseen, then the answer is very simple. Love God and love others. Jesus modeled this kind of focus in His earthly ministry. He stayed connected to the Father through daily intimacy. He guarded His priorities. He protected His love relationship with the Father. Jesus allocated His time to reflect His core values. Are you loving God with all of your heart? Are you loving God with all of your soul, mind, and strength? This represents your vertical relationship. Your vertical relationship is your number one priority. Your effectiveness in the Kingdom of God will never rise above the level of your intimacy with God. Think about the cross for a moment. Notice the vertical beam. This represents your relationship to God. Are you rightly related to God through faith in Jesus Christ? Are you daily nurturing your love relationship with Him? Stay vertical! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care