Biblical Actions of Worship: Part 2

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Mark Cole

In the Bible, there are various actions of worship that are mentioned or modeled by the prophets, priests, and people of God. Some of the main actions of worship described in the Bible include: (Click here for Biblical Actions of Worship: Part 1)

  1. Prayer: Prayer is a crucial component of worship, as it allows us to communicate with God and express our gratitude, needs, and desires to Him.
  2. Reading and studying the Scriptures: The Bible is God’s Word, and reading and studying it is an essential part of worship, as it helps us to understand who God is and how we can live according to His will.
  3. Fasting: Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before God and seek His will and direction for our lives.
  4. Serving: Serving others in love is also an act of worship, as it reflects the love and compassion of God for all people.
  5. Baptism and Communion: These sacraments are important acts of worship that symbolize our identification with Christ’s death and resurrection and our ongoing communion with Him and His body, the church.

These are just a few examples of the many ways in which the Bible teaches us to worship God. Ultimately, worship is not just about outward actions, but it is about the attitude of our hearts towards God, as we seek to honor and glorify Him in all that we do.

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Biblical Actions of Worship: Part 1

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Mark Cole

Years ago, I learnt that the old proverb, ‘actions speak louder that words,’ was true. If people hear you saying or singing one thing, but your actions speak another thing, they tend to believe your actions rather than your words.

I am in love with the Creator of the universe. He has given my a full and abundant life. He has given me health, forgiven everything I ever did wrong, answered my prayers for a great wife and family and has given me an awesome purpose in life. He supplies my daily needs and is my closest friend. He gives me wisdom, peace and love on a daily basis. And on top of that, I know He is always with me.

So, when I worship God in a private or public setting, I want my actions to match my words. I want the people who I lead in worship, to know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I do not want to do actions for action’s sake. I want to do the worship actions of the Bible because they reflect the passion of my heart!

I read the Psalms daily. Throughout the Psalms there are action words. Years ago, I decided that I wanted my life to line up with God’s Word. I did not want to live my life according to how I think it should be lived. I want to follow a higher wisdom than mine. My desire is to live my life and to worship God according to God’s pattern and standards.

God created me. God designed me. And I have found that His ways are superior to my ways. So when I worship, I try to worship according to the Biblical pattern, not according to my personal taste or traditions.

worship

Here are a number of the actions of worship that I have discovered in the Bible.

1. Singing

God loves singing. In the book of Zephaniah it says that “God rejoices over you with joyful singing.” Singing is mentioned throughout the Bible. One of the Psalmist said it this way “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!”

Another Psalmist tells us to “come into His presence with singing!” In the New Testament, Paul tells us to “sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Singing is one of the staple actions of worship.

2. Playing Instruments

I love to play instruments. I play around twelve of them. So I love that the Bible says playing instruments is an action of worship. Psalm 150 is the most famous of the psalms on this subject.   

In that famous Psalm it talks about praising God with string instruments. horns, drums, percussion and wind instruments. In fact, its says, if you have breathe, you should praise the Lord!

3. Lifting Of Hands

I love what the prophet, Jeremiah, wrote: “Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” There is something about lifting our hands in worship to God that is very spiritual.

I love it when my grandkids come to me with their hands lifted toward me. It means they want me to lift them up and give them a hug. I also love it when I am at a great football game and my favourite team scores. The whole crowd jumps to it’s feet, lifts their hands and shouts. Lifting our hands seems to be a very natural human response.

There is something about lifting our hands that God loves. Many great men of the Bible, like David, Solomon, Ezra, Moses, Paul and Peter, all lifted their hands in worship and adoration to God.

4. Clapping

Clapping is another natural human response. We clap in approval at a great musical or sporting event. We clap in time with music. I love to clap intricate rhythms to entertain myself.

The Psalms puts it succinctly, ‘Come, everyone! Clap your hands!’

5. Shouting

I have found that people naturally shout in sporting events, in fun times and in other exciting human endeavours. But, somehow they think they shouldn’t shout in church.

I serve a God whose majesty and power is unparalleled. He made the sun, moon and stars. He created this wonderful planet that I so enjoy visiting and exploring. He is interested and involved in the details of my life. Jesus said that even the hairs on my head are numbered. Let me tell you, I think that God is more than worthy of me shouting His praise.

Do you know that there is even shouting in heaven? It says in Revelations that all the angels and elders declared in a loud voice (shouting)… “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing.”

There are certain times when we should get excited about God, excited about what He is doing. So excited about what He has done, that the only natural human response should be to shout! I do not believe that God wants us to be inhibited when it comes to our praise to Him. Jesus said that if we don’t praise Him, even the “rocks and stones will cry out!“

6. Dancing

Dancing is another one of those human responses that many people aren’t comfortable with in church. To tell you the truth, I’m a musician with good sense of rhythm but I am not a good dancer. Fortunately, God still loves it when I express my joy before Him with dancing.

David was uninhibited when it came to expressing his joy in dancing. Even when he became king, his joy overflowed into dancing.

Woman seem to be freer in expressing themselves in dance then men. Frankly, I feel a little awkward when I dance. But, as Solomon said, there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

7. Bowing Down

Bowing down in worship seems to be more of an accepted Eastern practice than a Western one. Personally, I have only used bowing down in a corporate setting a few times. In my private worship I have used it more often.

Sometimes, when God makes His Presence known in an awesome way, the only acceptable way to worship Him is bowing down. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. When you become aware that you are in the presence of the Creator of the Universe, it only seems appropriate to get down on your knees and bow before Him.

The Psalmist said it this way, ‘Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God.’

8. Standing

I love it when congregations stand and worship God. They sing better, they are more attentive and they are more involved. I am not saying that you can’t worship God when you are sitting, it’s just that people sing, clap, lift their hands and praise God with more enthusiasm when they stand.

I love this glimpse that John had of worship in heaven: (Revelations 7:9-10 NLT)

I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.  And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

I love that picture. This huge multi-ethnic crowd is standing and shouting their praise to God in heaven. How cool is that!

9. Giving

Years ago I memorized the twelfth chapter of the book of Romans. In the first verse it says:

Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you to give your bodies to God because of all that He has done for you. Let your lives be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.

I believe that giving your whole life to God is the most powerful way to worship Him. God loves it when you trust Him enough to lay down your goals and desires and offer your life to Him.

Can you trust God enough to give Him your goals, your finances, your dreams? Can you trust Him enough to die to your own ambitions and let Him live through you? Can you trust Him to do a better job with your life than you can? I do.

Question:  Do you struggle with any of these actions of worship? Can you add to this list?

Check out Biblical Actions of Worship: Part 2

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount ($1, $5, $20, etc.) on my PayPal account.

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Worship Leaders: 7 Keys To A Successful Life

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Mark Cole

Worship Leaders: our true success come from spending time with God and His word. God is the source of life, creativity, power and true success. In Colossians 3:16-17, Paul gives 7 keys on how to live a successful life!

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.
Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives.
Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.  
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

1. Let Jesus’ teachings and message fill your life!

Years ago, I was challenged to get to know Jesus at a deeper level. (Frankly… I’m still challenged to do that.) A great piece of advice that I was given was to read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) three times in one month. (That’s about 9 chapters per day). To read the eyewitness accounts of these four men who walked, talked and worked with Jesus on a daily basis is a good start on the way to knowing Him.

Another great piece of advice that I was given was to read through my Bible on a yearly basis and memorize the great passages of the Bible. Studies have shown that the single most powerful catalyst of people’s spiritual growth is personal Bible study and reflection. Here are some links to my Bible Reading Challenge and the top Bible verses to memorize.

Knowing Jesus and having a great relationship with Him is foundational to a powerful Christian life.  Knowing that Christ lives in you (Colossians. 1:27 NLT) is one of the secrets to supernatural ministry. As you grow in Christ and grow in true wisdom you will become rich in areas that money can’t touch. And with true wisdom comes relationships, finance and the other necessities to have a successful Christian life.

2. Teach. 

Do you know how to teach? I have found that one of the greatest ways to learn and to grow is to teach others. Teaching at its core is not difficult. Basically, you are just passing on what you’ve learned.

What have you learned in your walk with the Lord? What have you learned as a musician and worshipper? At whatever level you are, pass along your experience to the person still coming up.

3. Encourage, counsel and help each other with God’s wisdom.

Solomon said: “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” (Proverbs 19:20). There never comes a time in your life when you have arrived, when you can’t learn anymore. Take lessons, watch videos, go to seminars and listen to the advice of other, more experienced musicians. There is so much to learn, we all need encouragement and help on our journey with God.

Then go beyond just learning. Be an encourager! Be a mature believer who can counsel and help other people!

4. Sing

There is something powerful about singing your praises! Did you know that music is one of the few activities that uses your whole brain? (Check out this video).

As a worshipping musician, learning to sing well is a skill we can use our whole lives. Here is link on How To Improve Your Singing.

Did you know that God loves to sing?

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. ~ Zephaniah 3:17

5. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God.

One of the secrets of worship is taking great praise and worship songs and singing them directly to God. When you sing a song directly to God, something changes. True worship begins. Never allow yourself to just sing without focusing on the One whom we sing to!

Whether you are singing from the Psalms, singing an older song from a hymn book or a song that was just written to worship God, sing it to God. Make God your focus. Don’t just perform music or sing songs! Worship God!

6. Sing to God with thankful hearts.

God loves a thankful heart. I have so much to be thankful for. God has forgiven all my sins, He has given me a purpose in life, He directs my path, He supplies my needs, He never leaves me or forsakes me, He has healed me and given me a healthy body. And He has given me a great wife and family. God has given me an abundant life! I am so thankful!

When I sing, I want that gratitude to overflow to the expressions on my face. Thankfulness brings a smile to my face and joy in my heart! I never want to look sullen, bored or indifferent when I am worshipping God!

7. Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.

If you come to the realization that you are a representative of Jesus, it will change your life! It will change your priorities, it will change how you speak and how you spend your time. By God’s grace, my goal is to be a great representative of His love and mercy! Representing Jesus is a privilege!

Question: How is your daily walk with the Lord? Is the message of Jesus living richly in you? Are you teaching and encouraging others? Are you singing to God with thankfulness? Are you a good representative for Jesus?

Check out my new book: “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’. It is now available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

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How To Be A Great Worship Band Singer

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Mark Cole

Leading worship and singing on a praise team is such an honor and a privilege. As a singer, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for great worship rehearsals and services. Here are seven suggestions to help you be the best you can be:

  1. Practice your parts: Make sure you have practiced all the songs you will be singing. Listen to recordings of the songs and practice singing along with them. Be sure to pay attention to any harmonies or vocal parts you will be singing. Generally there is one correct alto part and one correct tenor part. The harmony always follows the shape of the melody, usually in parallel thirds and fourths. If your team sends out written-out parts, learn those as written. Here is a great youtube video on when to sing harmony on a worship team.
  2. Review the lyrics: Read through the lyrics of the songs you will be singing so you can understand the message and meaning behind them. This will help you to sing the songs with more feeling and passion. Take time to memorize the lyrics so you can sing from your heart.
  3. Warm up your voice: Before you come to the rehearsal, take some time to warm up your voice. Sing some scales, practice breathing exercises, and do some vocal exercises to get your voice ready for singing. Here is a ’15-Minute Warmup for Worship Team Singers’
  4. Learn to listen: Are you blending with the other singers? Are you holding the notes the same length as the lead singer? Are you following the instructions of the music director? Are you singing in-tune? Are you matching the timing and enunciation of the lead singer?
  5. Be prepared with the necessary equipment: Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, such as a in-ear monitors, music, water bottle and any other accessories you need for the rehearsal.
  6. Arrive on time: Be sure to arrive at the rehearsal on time so that you can set up and be ready to start singing when the rehearsal begins.
  7. Prepare your heart: Come with a teachable spirit and a heart full of love for the Lord. Learn to worship as you sing. Encourage the other members of the team. Smile, move and develop great stage presence. (Here are some tips on stage presence). Be a worshipper on and off the stage.

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What Does The Bible Teach About Sex?

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible contains various teachings about sex, including guidance on sexual behavior, relationships, and morality. Here are some of the key teachings:

  1. Sex is designed for marriage: The Bible teaches that sex is a gift from God designed to be enjoyed within the context of marriage. In Genesis 2:24, it says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This passage emphasizes the sacred bond between a husband and wife and highlights the importance of commitment in sexual relationships.
  2. Sexual immorality is a sin: The Bible also teaches that sex outside of marriage is considered immoral and sinful. This includes adultery, fornication, and homosexual behavior. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, it says, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” This passage emphasizes the gravity of sexual sin and the need to avoid it.
  3. Respect and honor within marriage: The Bible teaches that within marriage, husbands and wives should respect and honor each other, including in sexual relationships. In 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, it says, “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” This passage emphasizes the mutual respect and obligation that husbands and wives have toward each other in sexual relationships.
  4. Sexual purity and self-control: The Bible teaches the importance of sexual purity and self-control. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, it says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.” This passage emphasizes the need for self-control and the pursuit of holiness in all aspects of life, including sexual behavior.

Overall, the Bible teaches that sex is a gift from God designed to be enjoyed within the context of marriage, and that sexual immorality is sinful. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, honor, and self-control in sexual relationships, and encourages believers to pursue sexual purity and holiness in all aspects of life.

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Remember The Cross

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Mark Cole

The cross of Jesus is one of the most important symbols of Christianity, and it holds significant meaning for Christians around the world. Here are some of the key aspects of the significance of the cross to Christians:

A symbol of sacrifice: The cross is a powerful symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Jesus willingly gave His life on the cross to redeem humanity and reconcile us to God.

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:8 (NIV)

A symbol of love: The cross also represents the incredible love that Jesus had for humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love, demonstrating His willingness to lay down His life for the sake of others.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13 (NIV)

A symbol of forgiveness: The cross represents God’s forgiveness for human sin. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has provided a way for people to be forgiven and reconciled to Him.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” – Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

A symbol of victory: The cross also represents victory over sin and death. Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the power of sin and death, and made a way for people to have eternal life.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

A symbol of identity: For many Christians, the cross is a symbol of their faith and identity. It reminds them of the central beliefs of Christianity and the great love and sacrifice that Jesus made on their behalf.

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” – Galatians 6:14 (NIV)

The cross of Jesus is a symbol of hope and salvation for Christians, representing the love, sacrifice, forgiveness, victory, and identity of the Christian faith.

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Worship Leading Tips

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Mark Cole

There is no one-size-fits-all secret to worship leading in churches as every congregation is different, and the style of worship may vary widely from one church to another. However, here are some general tips that may help you become an effective worship leader:

  1. Connect with God: The most important aspect of worship leading is your relationship with God. Take time to pray, read your Bible, and seek God’s presence before leading worship. This will help you to lead from a place of authenticity and sincerity.
  2. Know your congregation: It’s essential to understand the needs and preferences of your congregation. Take the time to get to know your congregation and their worship style. This will help you to choose appropriate songs and create an atmosphere that fosters worship.
  3. Plan and prepare: Proper planning and preparation are essential to successful worship leading. Choose songs that are appropriate for the occasion, and practice them thoroughly. Have strong, productive rehearsals with your music team. Also, ensure that all necessary equipment is available and functioning properly.
  4. Engage the congregation: Worship is not a performance, but a participatory activity. Encourage your congregation to join in by using strong easy-to-sing songs in congregational friendly keys, providing clear directions and verbal encouragement.
  5. Lead by example: As a worship team, you and your team are role models for the congregation. Lead by example, demonstrating sincerity, humility, reverence and love for God.
  6. Be flexible: No matter how well you plan, things can go wrong during worship. Be flexible and willing to adapt to changes in the service, such as a sermon that runs longer than expected or technical difficulties.

Remember that worship leading is not about you, but about leading others into a meaningful encounter with God. By following these tips, you can help create an environment where your congregation can experience the presence of God in a powerful way.

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What Is The Best Way To Teach Music Students To Play-By-Ear?

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Mark Cole

Teaching students to play by ear can be a valuable skill for any musician. Here are some tips that can help music teachers teach their students to play by ear:

  1. Emphasize listening skills: Encourage students to listen carefully to the music they are trying to learn, paying attention to the melody, rhythm, and harmony. Provide opportunities for them to listen to recordings of the music they are learning.
  2. Start simple: Begin by teaching simple melodies or chord progressions that are easy to hear and recognize. Encourage students to play along with recordings or to sing the melody before attempting to play it on their instrument.
  3. Use call-and-response exercises: Play a short melody or chord progression and have the student repeat it back to you. Gradually increase the complexity of the exercises as the student improves.
  4. Provide guidance: Help students identify the key and the chord progression of the music they are learning. This can help them figure out the melody by ear.
  5. Use improvisation: Encourage students to experiment with improvisation, using the melody or chord progression as a starting point. This can help them develop their ear and their ability to play by ear.
  6. Be patient: Learning to play by ear takes time and practice. Encourage students to keep practicing and experimenting with different approaches until they find what works best for them.

Overall, teaching students to play by ear requires a combination of listening skills, guidance, and practice. With patience and persistence, students can develop their ability to play by ear and become more confident and creative musicians.

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What Is The Best Way To Read The Bible?

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Mark Cole

The best way to read the Bible depends on your goals and personal preferences. Here are some general tips that can help you get the most out of your Bible reading:

  1. Start with prayer: Begin your Bible reading with prayer, asking God to help you understand and apply what you read.
  2. Choose a translation: There are many different translations of the Bible available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choose a translation that is easy for you to understand and fits your reading style. My personal favorite is the New Living Translation (NLT). You can read it online at BibleGateway.com
  3. Read with purpose: Decide what you want to accomplish through your Bible reading, whether it’s gaining a deeper understanding of a particular book or passage, learning about a specific theme, or simply spending time in meditation and reflection.
  4. Take notes: Jot down any questions, insights, or reflections that come to mind as you read. This can help you remember what you’ve read and make connections between different parts of the Bible.
  5. Read regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to Bible reading. Aim to read a little bit each day, whether it’s a single verse, a chapter, or more.
  6. Use study tools: Commentaries, concordances, and other study tools can help you gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. Use these resources to help answer questions and provide context for what you’re reading.
  7. Apply what you’ve learned: Once you’ve read and studied the Bible, look for ways to apply what you’ve learned in your daily life. This might involve prayer, meditation, or specific actions that align with what you’ve read.

Remember, reading the Bible is a personal and spiritual journey, and there is no one “right” way to approach it. The most important thing is to approach your reading with an open heart and a desire to learn and grow in your faith.

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What Is The Best Way To Get New Music Students?

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Mark Cole

There are several effective ways to attract new music students for your studio. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Build a professional website: Create a website that showcases your experience, qualifications, and teaching philosophy. Include information about your services, rates, and contact information.
  2. Utilize social media: Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your studio and share updates about your teaching. Consider running targeted ads to reach potential students in your area on Facebook and Kijiji.
  3. Offer a free trial lesson: Offer a free trial lesson to prospective students. This gives them an opportunity to experience your teaching style and determine if your studio is a good fit for them.
  4. Network with other music professionals: Connect with other music professionals in your area, such as music store owners, school music teachers, and local musicians. They may refer students to you or recommend your studio to their own students.
  5. Attend local music events: Attend local music events, such as concerts and recitals, and distribute flyers or business cards to attendees. This is a great way to connect with potential students who are already interested in music.
  6. Partner with community organizations: Partner with community organizations, such as youth groups, churches or community centers, to offer music classes or workshops. This can help you reach a wider audience and establish your reputation in the community.

Remember, building a successful music studio takes time and effort. Be patient, persistent, and proactive in promoting your studio and reaching out to potential students.

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