Praise & Worship | MinTools Blog

Exalting God Above All Else

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. (Ps. 34:1-3)

If asked how to exalt God, what would you say? You may be quick to respond that we exalt God through words of praise as well as through songs of worship. But, don’t end there.

Ways of Exalting God Above All Else

When we exalt God, we’re lifting Him up above all else, singling Him out as the One of whom there is no greater. It’s easy to speak or sing about how great God is but living like it reveals what we truly believe in our hearts. As the saying goes — actions speak louder than words.

We exalt God when we value what He views as important.

We’re saying that His opinions and heart are supreme, hence, exalting Him.

We exalt God when we obey His commands.

We’re saying that His ways are best, hence, exalting Him.

We exalt God when we line up what we do with His Word, following His ways.

We’re saying that He is the final standard, hence, exalting Him.

We exalt God when we help other people in their struggles by pointing them to God.

We’re saying that He is the ultimate source of strength, comfort, peace, and hope, hence, exalting Him.

Let’s live a life of worship, exalting the Lord above all else!

For More, Go To: Implications for the Worship Leader & Individual Worshiper

What a Worship Service!

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

The book of Revelation describes numerous worship services where the focus is on the Lord and on the Lord alone. — No distractions. No controversy over preferences in how to worship. No misdirected focus onto a worship leader.

Here’s one glorious scene:

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Rev. 5:11-14)

In an earlier scene around the throne of God, the elders fell down in worship and cast their crowns before the throne exclaiming, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Rev. 4:9-11) — Notice how they laid their crowns (rewards) down at His feet. The Lord deserves it all.

Can We Experience a Similar Worship Service Now, Here on Earth?

We might say, “In heaven we will have glorified bodies, a new heart, and a new mind. We won’t face the distractions we have now. Worship will come easy then!” While that might be true, let’s not use that as an excuse. We can learn from this heavenly worship scene.

We worship the same Person, who is now worthy of all praise, honor, adoration. He will be no more worthy in the future than He is now.

We can lay down our preferences and perceived entitlements now. How insignificant some of the controversy surrounding worship here will seem in heaven!

We can be overcomers now, though in this world we have trouble according to Jesus (Jn. 16:33). The Holy Spirit who dwells within believers will help us worship in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24) in these earthly bodies, with our sin tainted hearts and minds.

Let’s not wait until heaven to truly worship. May we now focus our worship services on Him and Him alone!

For More on Worshiping, Go To: Worship Resources

A Love Letter to God

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 1 Comment ↓

Express Worship in a Love Letter to God Sometimes people in love write love letters to each other, admiring the person for who he/she is and what they do. Expressing feelings in writing, whether that be an actual letter, text, or e-mail, may seem easier than over the phone or in person. If we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mk. 12:30), perhaps we’d do well to take time to write a love letter to God. He’s already written of His great love for us through His Word.

God Wants Praise and Worship that’s Written from the Heart

God already knows what’s in our heart so writing Him a love letter may be as much for our benefit as for His. Nonetheless, praise is good and fitting for His people (Ps. 33:1). It helps reinforce within us the great God we have.

Whatever we write in praise to our Lord needs to be more than lip service, merely saying what we “should” say (Mk. 7:6; 1 Jn. 3:18). God looks for authentic worship, that which is done “in spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:23-24). — “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” (Ps. 103:1)

To get beyond mere words to expressions of the heart …

think about what you know to be true about God,

meditate on those truths until it stirs up a reaction within you,

and then articulate how you feel to Him.

Example of a Love Letter to God

My Dearest Lord,

What a joy it is to love someone as special as you. I’m consumed with awe thinking about you. Words can’t accurately describe just what you mean to me. I love you so much!

You make me glad to be alive. You give purpose to my life. Even in the darkest night I know you’re there caring and helping me all the way. And, you always seem to know what’s best. You’re so dependable and faithful, someone I can always count on. You deserve more praise and honor than anyone I know.

All you do is filled with splendor. Yet, I love you not just for what you do but for who you are. You are fairer than the fairest. You are so gentle, yet you know precisely when to be firm. Your love for me is greater than the sands of the ocean. How can I help but love you?

Now, I want you to know: I’m not just a secret admirer. I’m not ashamed to let the world know I love you. I want them to see how handsomely fine you are. Dressed in your majesty, you excel all others. You are number one.

You are kind and gracious, filled with goodness and love. Anyone should be proud to belong to you! I’m glad you’re mine. I love you so.

Eternally yours,

Limitless Possibilities in Worship

Posted on August 3, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

In answering questions about worshiping God like where, why, how, and who should worship, Psalm 150 shows the limitless possibilities in worship. Too often we confine worship to a certain time and place, to be done in a set way.

Learn about Worshiping God and the Limitless Possibilities in Worship

Let’s read through Psalm 150 and note what it teaches us about worship.

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. (Ps. 150:1)

Answers the Question Where, letting us know that worshiping God isn’t limited to a house of worship (church) or any other place.

Also Read: Spiritual versus Physical House of Worship

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. (Ps. 150:2)

Answers the Question Why, making clear the limitless reasons to worship as His greatness surpasses our ability to comprehend

Also Read: How Can We Not Worship Our God?

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. (Ps. 150:3-5)

Answers the Question How, showing that worship isn’t limited to any one means.

Compliments to God

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Compliments to God as We Ascribe to the Lord A compliment is “an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration” (Merriam-Webster). Hence, when we give compliments to God, we’re honoring Him for who He is and what He’s done. Biblically we might say that we are:

ascribing to God the glory due His name (Ps. 29:2; 96:7-8)
expressing His worth (Rev. 4:11; 5:11-14)
exalting Him, lifting Him up (Ps. 99:5, 9)

We might also use terms like praising and worshiping God. In essence, we’re telling God how great He is. We’re attributing the glory to Him, praising Him for who He is, and giving Him credit for what He’s done.

God Doesn’t Need Our Compliments

God is worthy whether we acknowledge it or not. Who He is, isn’t based on our recognition of Him. He is who He is. Our compliments, or lack of praise, doesn’t affect His significance and worth.

Through the generations there have been people who have failed to acknowledge Him as the Source (Rom. 1:20-25). Some defiantly turn their backs on Him, disbelieving He could really be great enough to do all Scripture says He did and will do. But a day will come when “every knee will bow” before Him and “every tongue will acknowledge God” (Rom. 14:11).

Compliments to God Show Our Appreciation, Thankfulness, Respect, and Admiration

We express appreciation and thankfulness when we compliment people. God has done, and will continue to do, more for us than all the people combined in our lives.

Think of His wonderful and thorough work of salvation. Who else will love us enough to come and die in our place, or be able to take on the punishment our sin deserves? Certainly such a merciful, gracious, loving, and holy God deserves our compliments.

Think of His Written Word. Who else could compose such a consistent body of truth over the span of nearly 2000 years, dynamic and sufficient to thoroughly equip and teach us, that could stand the test of time and attacks of enemies? Without doubt, we owe such a wise, all-knowing, powerful, and righteous God our compliments.

We express respect and admiration for traits in people we think are commendable. God consistently demonstrates admirable qualities because He is perfect in every way, something we could never say about ourselves or any other human being. Compliments go to Someone we can always depend on to be faithful and true in what He says and does because He can’t deny Himself. He always was and always will be who He is.

Take time today to express compliments to God not just for what He does but also for who He is. He deserves our appreciation, thankfulness, respect, and admiration!

For More About Our God: Theology Resources

Hindrances to Worship

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

We acknowledge that God certainly deserves our praise but sometimes we struggle to make worship a priority in our lives. We have access to much teaching and writing on worship to help us. (See: Worship Resources) Still, we sometimes let hindrances to worship keep us from truly worshiping “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). Why don’t we always worship as we should?

List of Hindrances to Worship

Hindrances to Worship in The Truth About Worship Discussion Guides

A session in The Truth About Worship Discussion Guides looks at the hindrances listed below. It provides some Scripture and questions to reflect on the effect of these hindrances on us worshiping God.

Self

We can let our own needs, convenience, and preferences come above God Himself.

Concept of God

A misrepresentation of who God is will cause us to misplace our worship.

False Gods

Anything we prioritize above God will pull us away from worshiping the one true God.

Our Culture

When we conform to the world around us we lose sight of God.

Service

We can get so busy serving that we neglect the God we serve.

Unreconciled Relationships

Mistreatment or lack of forgiveness in our relationships with others affects our walk with God.

Traditions

Man-made or self-styled worship rather than that which God desires can keep us from truly worshiping.

Worship “Props”

When we let forms, styles, facilities, or worship leaders become what worship is about, rather than aid us in worship, they hinder it.

God is so worthy of my complete and undistracted devotion and love expressed through worship! Let’s rise above these hindrances and worship God in spirit and truth.