7/18/2007

Hello from Oregon(Wisconsin, that is),

Worship.

Webster's New World Dictionary defines it as:

(n) 1. a prayer, church service, or other right showing reverence or devotion for a deity; religious homage or veneration

2. extreme devotion; intense love or admiration of any kind

(v) 1. to show religious devotion for or reverence for; adore or venerate as a deity

2. to have intense love or admiration for

I am now a part time worship director and that means part of the time I direct others in the worshiping of our Lord and the other part of the time I do it on my own. All bad jokes aside, I am being reminded daily that worship is not singing our favorites psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, or for that matter the latest worship "hits", it is living a life that is in constant communion with God. When I spend my days thinking about God and other people more than myself, I live a day full of joy and meaning and I still get all the stuff done that I am usually so concerned about. When we worship God, in the truest sense of the word, everything else comes into perspective. It all finds it's place under the authority of Almighty God.

I think Christian worship is a verb. It is an act. Something you do. You focus your thoughts and energy on nothing but praising, adoring, revering, loving and thanking God. It's not about the guitars or the drums being too loud or "we've never sung this song before" or "this is a new song and I can't sing along". It's not even about whether you or the person next to you can carry a tune, with or without a bucket. It is about God. God alone. It's not about us. Not about our worship style. Not about whether we are standing, sitting, or kneeling. It is about each of us saying, "God, right now this time is for you."

We are all moved in here in Oregon and are doing the work God has called us to. We moved at the end of April 2007 and have been adjusting to life at the speed of Madison. Life is no faster paced here than in many other places, it just seems everyone is a bit more caught up in their own thing here than anywhere else I have lived. We are at Community of Life church and have lots of great people that we spend time with.

This has been a season of change, stretching, faithfulness and growth in nearly every area of my life. I am so happy to say that in September, Billie and I will have our 1 year anniversary and we are truly loving the life God has blessed us with. It's been a time of sharpening (Proverbs 27:17), God has been working within my relationship with Billie to sharpen us through each other as iron sharpens iron. We are striving to live out lives of gratitude and faithfulness to our wonderful Savior for the gift of grace we have been given.

I have been really encouraged over the last few months by a radio preaching ministry that was suggested to me by a friend and brother. (Thanks Brian W.) I subscribed to the podcast and listen daily to "Walk in the Word with James McDonald". I cannot tell you how much God has challenged and encouraged me through these messages and this ministry. I am blessed by each message in a different way but always pointed back to the loving arms of Christ and what it truly means to live a life of faith and trust in our Lord. If you get a chance, check it out. God will use it in your life if you let Him.

Thanks for reading and caring about my ministry. May God's peace be with you.

Under the Mercy,

Jeff Weiss