""But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the
Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His
worshipers." John 4:23
Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His
worshipers." John 4:23
The best worship service I have ever experienced was in volcano country Guatemala. We literally walked down inside an inactive volcano valley and met with a small group of believers to have service. As everyone walked, because the roads were near impossible to travel via automobile, I noticed the sound of singing. As I looked up and back down toward the small village at the heart of our journey, folks were walking arm in arm and singing hymns and choruses all the way to Sunday service. It was precious to hear their melodies resonate across the valley and into my heart. Moved by their genuine gratefulness to be able to attend a worship service, I learned a lesson that morning. They knew who the church was… yes I say who. Folks we do not go to church, because WE ARE the church! We go to meet together as the church.
By the time they arrived at the very small square cement building that might have held 45 people comfortably, they were ready for service. Their hearts were joyful, and they greeted each other warmly before sitting on small wooden benches that were about one foot off the floor.
In that building the thirty of us added to their little flock and the place was packed. They gladly squeezed in and made room for us. They had a few old 1960’s plastic yard chairs that had seen better days, but insisted the Americanos sit in them,the seat of honor.
There were no song books, no large video screens, no microphones, no piano, no instruments of any kind, (but a little drum that a teenager tapped on). There were no bulletins or even clock to keep tabs on the time. The pastor stood and greeted us and then the service began. They broke out in singing and they knew every word to every song. It was as if the words were engraved on their hearts. Very few of them had bibles, but that did not matter. They also knew scripture so well they could finish it before the pastor recited it. I sat back and looked around the room and each face was beaming and leaning in closer so they would not miss one word that was spoken. Even the babies and toddlers were very attentive or sound asleep. They never disturbed the service by their presence. They learned young while in the House of God, you respect Him by listening, and listening they did!
Afterward they began to sing and rejoice once again, proclaiming the wonders of the Lord. I also joined right in and wished that Sunday Service would become a lot simpler, a lot less complicated, and a lot more spirit filled. I wished that churches back home were jam-packed with people who came in rejoicing after having to walk a mile of hilly and rocky terrain on their way to worship. I realized that this was very much like the New Testament church. No frills, not fuss, just a place of true worship. Indeed, it was the best worship service I had ever experienced. It was simple, intimate worship that resonated throughout the small building in the bottom of the volcano valley.
Perhaps once you live through a volcano you become a lot less needy, or you understand what is really necessary in life. I was humbled by my own ill-behavior thinking I had to have so much to lead God’s people into worship. I realize now, that I have everything that I need. I have a heart willing to abandon the conveniences of this world and enter into pure worship. simply said, "My heart to the Father’s heart." Indeed my friend, if you can breathe, you too can worship!
By the time they arrived at the very small square cement building that might have held 45 people comfortably, they were ready for service. Their hearts were joyful, and they greeted each other warmly before sitting on small wooden benches that were about one foot off the floor.
In that building the thirty of us added to their little flock and the place was packed. They gladly squeezed in and made room for us. They had a few old 1960’s plastic yard chairs that had seen better days, but insisted the Americanos sit in them,the seat of honor.
There were no song books, no large video screens, no microphones, no piano, no instruments of any kind, (but a little drum that a teenager tapped on). There were no bulletins or even clock to keep tabs on the time. The pastor stood and greeted us and then the service began. They broke out in singing and they knew every word to every song. It was as if the words were engraved on their hearts. Very few of them had bibles, but that did not matter. They also knew scripture so well they could finish it before the pastor recited it. I sat back and looked around the room and each face was beaming and leaning in closer so they would not miss one word that was spoken. Even the babies and toddlers were very attentive or sound asleep. They never disturbed the service by their presence. They learned young while in the House of God, you respect Him by listening, and listening they did!
Afterward they began to sing and rejoice once again, proclaiming the wonders of the Lord. I also joined right in and wished that Sunday Service would become a lot simpler, a lot less complicated, and a lot more spirit filled. I wished that churches back home were jam-packed with people who came in rejoicing after having to walk a mile of hilly and rocky terrain on their way to worship. I realized that this was very much like the New Testament church. No frills, not fuss, just a place of true worship. Indeed, it was the best worship service I had ever experienced. It was simple, intimate worship that resonated throughout the small building in the bottom of the volcano valley.
Perhaps once you live through a volcano you become a lot less needy, or you understand what is really necessary in life. I was humbled by my own ill-behavior thinking I had to have so much to lead God’s people into worship. I realize now, that I have everything that I need. I have a heart willing to abandon the conveniences of this world and enter into pure worship. simply said, "My heart to the Father’s heart." Indeed my friend, if you can breathe, you too can worship!
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