Quote from Forum Archives on September 25, 2001, 10:31 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

Today I am passing along two messages to you. The first is a
message from Worship Matters. The text is addressed to worship
leaders, but I think the principles apply to anyone who follows
Jesus Christ with their whole heart. Read the message, and see
if you agree.

The second message contains a petition regarding terrorism.
Please pray about the situation, then consider if this message is
worth sending on.

Regardless of where you stand on such matters, I think it is of
vital importance that we pray for one another and also for our
leaders, who set policies that affect all of us. The Bible
reminds us to pray for one another, for leaders, and those in
authority. I think the recent events are a reminder of just how
important prayer really is.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: Worship Matters <worshipmatters@lists.crosswalk.com>
Subject: Worship Matters: What to Look for in a Worship Musician
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001 18:00:13 -0400

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WORSHIP MATTERS, with Bob Kauflin of PDI Ministries
www.pdinet.org/

Visit the Spiritual Life Channel on Crosswalk.com:
spiritual.crosswalk.com

What to Look for in a Worship Musician

Last time we looked at the foundations for music
ministry in the church -- God's grace, God's call, and
God's glory. If we embrace these three principles, we'll
avoid many of the problems that plague music ministries
today.

But let's get more specific. What kind of person
should we look for to be part of our worship team?
Typically, the first thing we notice is musical gifting.
That's important, but musical ability is secondary to
issues of heart and character. A phenomenal musician,
with no heart for God, will actually hinder the worship
of God we seek to inspire.

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For that reason, church musicians should desire,
above all else, to see God glorified. They should be
passionate about seeing God's name honored, His mercies
extolled, and His greatness proclaimed. This will
require study and meditation in God's Word. Therefore,
our musicians should be devoted to the spiritual
disciplines of prayer and Bible study. What we are
before the congregation has its roots in our times alone
with God.

A second attitude that should characterize those on
our worship teams is humility, flowing from a fear of
God. Something has gone tragically wrong when church
musicians have a reputation for seeking the spotlight,
comparing themselves to others, or needing to be
handled with kid gloves. We have forgotten who we are
before God, who "esteems he who is humble and contrite
in spirit" (Isaiah 66:2). To God, arrogance and pride
look no better in a musician than in anyone else. In
his outstanding book, "The Joy of Fearing God," Jerry
Bridges writes, "The fear of God and the worship of Him
feed each other. The more we fear God -- bowing before
Him in reverential awe -- the more we'll be compelled
to worship Him." Our temptation to view ourselves more
highly than we ought has little to do with personality,
temperament, or musical gifting. It has everything we
do with how we view ourselves before God.

Another characteristic that musicians in the church
should exemplify is expressiveness. Psalm 34:5 says that
"those who look to him are radiant; their faces are
never covered with shame." We are not meant to remain
emotionless as we exalt the Lord. The Bible overflows
with references to passionate responses to God's word
and works. Whether it be jubilant celebration before the
Lord, solemn reflection, or repentant brokenness, a
worshiper expresses His relationship with God in ways
that benefit and edify others.

Finally, our musicians should be among the most
grateful members of the church. What a privilege it is
to serve God's people by leading them in the public
worship of our great and awesome King! In Psalm 50:23
God promises us that, "He who sacrifices thank offerings
honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show
him the salvation of God." Gratefulness invites God's
activity. Rather than being known for complaining or
backbiting, church musicians should stand out for their
continued expressions of thankfulness for the gift of
eternal life and the privilege of serving God's people.

Next time we'll look at a few more qualities that
should characterize those in the music ministry.

For His glory,

Bob

Editor's Note --

Find out what's new on the Spiritual Life Channel. Sign
up for the weekly Spiritual Life Update to keep abreast
of the latest articles written to challenge your
spiritual growth.

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____________________________________________________________

Dear friends,

I received another update from the "grassfire.net" organization
regarding the recent tragedies. I will pass this along, and
ask you to prayerfully consider whether or not you want to
participate in their suggestion for a petition. --- Brian

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
G R A S S F I R E U P D A T E

--BELOW:
--Text of President Bush's speech
-- Afghanistan receives $100,000,000 in U.S. tax dollars

PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

9/24/01

Dear Brian,

Thank you so much for signing the Statement of Solidarity Against
Global Terrorism. Tens of thousands have stood with us in the
past few days.

We hope you heard President Bush's stirring address before the
Congress last Thursday. He announced that we will fight "until
every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and
defeated." He urged us to continue to pray. And he called us to
stand in solidarity with him during what will be a long and
difficult fight.

Click here to read President Bush's remarks:

www.grassfire.net/11/bush.asp

(AOL Users click the line below, all others use the above link: )
Click here

Now, we must show that the nation is standing behind our
leaders by delivering 100,000 petitions to President Bush and
Congress in the NEXT WEEK.

***ACTION ITEM

PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR FRIENDS
AND URGE THEM TO SIGN THE STATEMENT OF
SOLIDARITY AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM BY
CLICKING HERE:

www.grassfire.net/11/petition.asp?PID=1376193&P=1

(AOL Users click the line below, all others use the above link: )
Click
here

The Statement of Solidarity also calls on Congress to immediately
cease sending our tax dollars to any group or nation that harbors
or promotes terrorism.

We have just learned that Afghanistan receives more than $100
million of our tax dollars. Other terrorist-friendly states are
sustained by our tax dollars.

THIS MUST BE STOPPED!

Our sons and daughters will be called to fight and even give their
lives in this war on terror. Our economy is suffering to a point
where every family is already feeling the repercussions.

Please help spread the word. And thank you for doing your part to
help our nation stand against global terrorism.

Thank you!

Grassfire.net

P.S. More than 50,000 have already signed. We can double that
and deliver 100,000 petitions to Congress and the President by
next week with your help. Please forward this to your friends. And
may God bless America!

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
FORWARD TO FIVE OR TEN FRIENDS!
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE SO ALREADY, PLEASE SIGN THE
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY AGAINST GLOBAL
TERRORISM:

www.grassfire.net/11/petition.asp?PID=1376193&P=1

(AOL Users click the line below, all others use the above link: )
Click
here

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
PRESIDENT BUSH'S ADDRESS BEFORE CONGRESS ON
SEPTEMBER 21, 2001:

www.grassfire.net/11/bush.asp

(AOL Users click the line below, all others use the above link: )
Click here

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
PRESIDENT BUSH'S ADDRESS ON THE NATIONAL DAY
OF PRAYER AND REMEMBRANCE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2001:

www.grassfire.net/11/bush1.asp

(AOL Users click the line below, all others use the above link: )
Click here

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

=====
--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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