Preparing For His Presence
A 50 day devotional for worship leaders, church musicians and vocalists, choir directors and members and all who desire to deepen their worship
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“…your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1, Isaiah 29:13
Any talk of worship; its nature and definition should begin with these verses. Describing the mechanics and methods of corporate worship without taking to heart these words is an exercise in futility. For our worship to be what God desires, we must first put away the notion that it has its totality in corporate singing and music.
We must understand that the truest form of worship is a life that is being completely yielded to God. No matter how good the vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements may be, they fall far short of true and pleasing worship, unless offered from hearts that are being surrendered to Him. Without that surrender, our expressions of worship may be pleasing to human ears, but to God, is just noise, at best, and at worst, a stench in His nostrils.
In these verses, the key to worship from the heart, that is not just a mechanical exercise, is revealed. “… in view of God’s mercy…” To incline our hearts to a place of offering up worship that is pleasing to God, we need to enlarge our view of God’s mercy! We must see the cross for what it actually is--- the pouring out of God’s wrath, that we deserved, on His Son, so that we could be spared His judgement and offered his mercy instead! As we gain an increased view of God’s mercy, our gratitude overflows and we are enabled to offer up the worship that most pleases Him--- lives and hearts more completely submitted to Him
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About the Book
Preparing For His Presence’ is a daily devotional for the worship leader, choir director, church musician or vocalist that desires for their worship to go to a deeper level in Christ. It is not just a book that presents information, but rather one that compels a response to what God’s Word says about our worship, especially through the mode of music. In this devotional, you will find an examination of the use of music for worship in the Old Testament, the worship in heaven, and how that should impact our worship today, as well as New Testament principles for God-pleasing worship in the church. The author does not shy away from topics like tradition and unity that have a profound impact on our worship and its effectiveness in the body of Christ. ‘Preparing For His Presence’ is not a book about methods, but rather, a challenge to examine our hearts and ‘lay aside every weight’ that impacts our worship in a negative way, while developing a greater desire for His power and presence in our everyday lives and our corporate worship!
About the Author
Chuck Jackson has 50 years of involvement in worship music and has a passion to see God glorified and to facilitate spiritual growth in church musicians and vocalists. He and his wife, Virginia are grateful for their daughter, Gracie, who is preparing to be a medical missionary.