IronWifey- November 2018 - Worship - Issue 17

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AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER

ironwifey MAGAZINE

WORSHIP

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As iron sharpens iron, so one woman sharpens another.

November 2018, Issue 17 The Worship Issue

CEO: Jesus

Editor-in-Christ & Designer: Micayla Robertson

Editorial Editor: Denise Dandridge

Contributing Writers: Adebosoye Olagbegi Alisha Moore Denise Dandridge Elsonia Swarts Ncediwe Mdlulwa

For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

–John 4:24 (NLT) FRONT COVER PHOTO: KYLE JOHNSON ON UNSPLASH BACK COVER PHOTO: RACHEL LYNETTE FRENCH ON UNSPLASH

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Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.

–Psalms 100:2 (NLT)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

CONTENTS

Thank you for reading the "Worship" issue of IronWifey Magazine.

I believe Worship is the act of being in the presence of God.

Here I Am To Worship | pg 7 ELSONIA SWARTS

In order to enter into his presence, we must invite him into our hearts. Before we can invite Him into our hearts, we must get to know Him on a deeper level. But, before we take the time to get to know Him, we must believe that He is real.

Our faith in God is dependent on our belief in Him, and our worship towards God is reliant on our desire to be with Him. Worship can be shown in many forms such as song or dance, or a simple act or smile. However, experiencing the truest form of worship requires complete trust and surrendering so that God becomes your reason for being. I pray that you experience the fullness of His love and glory, to the point where you learn to live a life in worship.

As you read this issue, I pray that it blesses you with a desire for worship. May you come to learn the Lord in Spirit and in truth, and may his Will be done in your life daily. Come, let us worship and bow down.

Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

May the Lord be with you and bless you!

The Torn Veil | pg 10 ALISHA MOORE

Whose Approval Are You Seeking | pg 12 DENISE DANDRIDGE

What Does John 4:24 Mean To You? | pg 14 NCEDIWE MDLULWA

With Love,

-Micayla Founder & Editor-in-Christ, IronWifey Magazine

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Worship As A Weapon | pg 18 ADEBOSOYE OLAGBEGI

HERE I AM TO WORSHIP

Photo by Mean Shadows on Unsplash

SING PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS TO GOD WITH THANKFUL HEARTS - COLOSSIANS 3:17

HERE I AM TO WORSHIP BY: ELSONIA SWARTS

Who are you worshiping?

Worshipping doesn’t orship God, give him all the praise because He just happen haphazardly. alone, as sang by Gospel Artist SINACH, is a Before we show reverence it is way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper important to know who it is we are and light in the darkness! As children growing up, we choosing to show that level of adoration are raised to say ‘please’ when we ask for something to. John 4:22 states, “You Samaritans and ‘thank you’ when we receive what we asked for. know very little about the one you Worshipping God is our ‘thank you’ for all He does for us worship, while we Jews know all and all we believe He will do for us. about him, for salvation comes through the By asking who, what, where and how, we can learn a Jews.”(NLT) lot about worshipping by breaking down the verses in John 4:21-24:

What is God looking for in a worshipper?

What God is looking for in a worshipper, is genuineness and truth.

Worshipping God should not be an act of pretense, but an act of true spiritual adoration. In verse 23, the Word says: “But the time is coming- indeed it’s here now-when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.”(NLT)

How do you worship?

The importance of worshipping God in spirit and in truth is reiterated in verse 24 to emphasize its importance.

This is how you worship: “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (NLT)

Where should you worship God? It doesn’t matter! You can worship God anywhere and everywhere. In verse 21 we read: “Jesus replied, Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem.”(NLT)

Who, what, where and how may be small words in our vocabulary, but each are profound when we apply them in our spiritual lives. Worshipping our Heavenly Father in the manner that He desires is giving him genuine honor, and our deepest love imaginable. It is standing firm in spirit and in truth proclaiming, “Here I Am To Worship”.

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WHAT'S ON YOUR WORSHIP PLAYLIST?

IRONWIFEY WORSHIP PLAYLIST: Here I Am To Worship - Michael W. Smith More Than Anything - Lamar Campbell What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship Our God - Chris Tomlin Like Oil - We Will Worship Good Good Father - Chris Tomlin Reckless Love - Israel Houghton Way Maker - SINACH I Give Myself Away - William McDowel Soul's Anthem - Tori Kelly You Know My Name - Tasha Cobbs Leonard

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THE TORN VEIL

THE TORN VEIL

BY: ALISHA MOORE

Thank God for the new covenant of Christ Jesus and the indwelling spirit of the Holy Ghost!

In the time of the old covenant, there was a place to go where you would repent, worship and confess. But, through the blood shed sacrifice of Jesus, his body, the veil, was torn to enter into a new way of worship and living that offered a direct connection to the presence of God for worship. To worship Him in spirit and in truth is a lifestyle that requires a contrite heart that is seeking the knowledge of God (John 4:23).

What is worship? True worship is valuing and treasuring God above all things. Most of us, including myself can become easily distracted by the world that we live in and inadvertently dismiss the importance of worship. However, it's important to point out what Jesus said to the devil in Luke 4:8 (KJV) “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Jesus did not say worship him or worship the Holy Spirit. God is looking for true worshippers who will give him the glory for their lives.

In the past, I have been guilty of making people, places and things more important than God. The most intriguing is how pain and trauma can typically try to steal God’s spotlight in our lives. Bad things will happen to us in this life, and unfortunately we will fall short of the glory of God. The heartbreak and grief that comes from that can sometimes get so overwhelming that it becomes bigger than God. Meaning, that's all we think about, that's all we talk about, it becomes our focal point and the pain will begin to transform our own identity and not our identity in Christ. If we’re not careful, we will give that pain all the power to control our thoughts, our emotions and our behaviors. According to the word of God this becomes idolatry and Deuteronomy 11:16 (NLT) warns us, “But be careful. Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the Lord and serve and worship other gods.”

The things that become distractions in our lives are the things that will prohibit us from being true worshippers. If our pain and trauma become greater than God, it contradicts the right understanding of God’s nature, and it devalues God’s worth. Which brings me to the point of sacrifice, which is the ultimate form of gratitude and worship to God according to Psalms 56:12 (NLT).

How much of our earthly existence are we willing to give up for God, to gain a life with God? God is coming for it all which is the very reason why He offered up his own son as a living sacrifice. To worship God in spirit and in truth, through the transformation of our minds, allows us to step past that torn veil into God’s glory. We are to use our bodies, our whole body, mind, soul and spirit to display the worth of God and all that He is for us in Christ.

Because our minds are not by nature God-centered. They are led by the flesh and are innately self-absorbed and self-righteous. If we do not wholeheartedly seek truth in humility to the point where the truth will set us free, there will be no God for us to turn to and embrace.

So, if the veil is torn now and you have direct access to God, what are you worshipping that has the power over you to prevent you from walking in God’s will?

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"BUT WHENEVER SOMEONE TURNS TO THE LORD, THE VEIL IS TAKEN AWAY. FOR THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT, AND WHEREVER THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM." - 2 CORINTHIANS 3:16-17 (NLT)

PHOTO BY HANNA POSTOVA ON UNSPLASH

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WHOSE APPROVAL ARE YOU SEEKING BY: DENISE DANDRIDGE

Whose Approval Are You Seeking?

A ppreciation, acceptance and approval are

desirable at every age, by every person, and infused throughout every stage of life. Whether it’s gold stars on a progress report, a certificate of achievement, a promotion at work, or a simple thank you or job well done, the wonderful feeling of being appreciated and/or gaining approval is unrivaled. Teachers, parents, spouses, coaches, bosses, pastors, family members and friends have all been responsible at some point for identifying successful efforts and acceptable achievements in others, and then acknowledging them and awarding approval. However, when we begin to allow gaining the earthly approval of others to dictate who we are, what we can become, and what our overall level of happiness will be in life, it can become spiritually destructive.

As Christians, our Heavenly Father loves us so deeply that He wants nothing more than to have a close relationship with us. A connection so unbreakable that our emphasis is always on pleasing Him, walking in the plan and purpose that He has for our lives and seeking His approval only. Simply believing in God is not enough. God expects us as his children and true worshippers to search the scriptures for understanding, to believe in the salvation of Jesus Christ and to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.” John 4:23 (NLT)

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How can we ever know the type of worship God approves of?

I can recall as an adolescent peering around the sanctuary in awe as I watched individuals praising and worshipping God in ways I never quite understood. I witnessed the church mothers humming solemnly and the choir members beating their tambourines as they sung praises at the tops of their voices. I saw hands clapping, people dancing, people running, tears streaming down faces, while others just stood in silence with their hands lifted towards the heavens.

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” -1 Chronicles 16:29 (NIV) As I have matured spiritually, I have learned that while each of those acts are acceptable ways to acknowledge God, true worship is so much more than our physical and or financial expressions of love toward Him. True worship is something extremely intimate that resonates from deep within us. It is that driving force that prioritizes God in our lives and prevents us from allowing anyone or anything to be placed above Him. True Worship is studying God’s Word diligently to show ourselves approved unto him (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). True Worship is leading a life that is grounded in the will of God and one that will both honor and glorify our Heavenly Father. It is living out the fruits of the spirit; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” daily, in all we do and in every life we touch.

The true worshippers of God will live within the convictions of their hearts, regarding the trust and confidence they have in God’s greatness, standing on his promises alone which are never failing. Being a “people-pleaser" may bring momentary gratification in an earthly sense, but at the end of the day it is only God’s approval and acceptance through true worship that will award each of us everlasting life.

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

-Titus 3:5-7 (KJV)

In Christ you are

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And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

-Matthew 28:5 KJV

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WORSHIP AS A WEAPON

At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 NLT

BY: ADEBOSOYE OLAGBEGI

Worship as a weapon W

e often refer to worship as singing slow songs that glorify God, but worship can also be living out our lives in a posture of surrendering to God. If you read 2 Chronicles 20 you can see how the tribe of Judah used worship as a weapon to defeat their enemies. Jehoshaphat, (the King of Judah at the time), was scared when he heard a large army was planning to attack Judah, but despite his fear, he went to seek God first and declared a fast throughout the land. All of Judah gathered together and King Jehoshaphat declared who God is, and recalled all of the the things that God had done for their ancestors. Jehoshaphat ended what he was saying by acknowledging the weakness of Judah on their own, but also declared that they would keep their eyes on God. After he was done, Judah stood still before God and a prophetic word was released in the gathering by a man named Jahaziel: And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 NKJV When they received this word, they bowed down, worshipped and sang loud praises to God. The prophetic word had not come true yet, but they started to praise like the victory was already won. In the moments after receiving a prophetic word it can be easy to get excited, jump, shout and say we trust God to bring the word to pass. But when the battle actually comes, some say (or show with their actions), “God thank you, but I got it from here, I need a sword not a word.” But Judah continued to put God first as they went into battle.

After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor.

This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”

Judah could have fasted, prayed, praised and when the battle came, they could have pulled out their swords, sent the singers to the back, and trusted in their own strength to win the battle. How scary would it have been to be one of the singers appointed to walk ahead of the army? The people that are supposed to attack you have swords, but you’re on the front lines of the battle with a song on your lips!

It would have made more sense to have the army go first since they had “real” weapons like their enemies.

Instead Judah let a posture of worship be their weapon of choice. As they put God first with their praise, they saw God work on their behalf.

How often in our lives do we, pray, fast and say we trust God, but then run around and exhaust ourselves trying to figure everything out on our own? Or the opposite, and take no steps of faith to change what is going on?

God’s instruction to Judah was to go out to the battlefield, and position themselves even though they were told they would not need to fight in the battle. When Judah decided to use worship as their weapon they did not run around and try to figure out how they would win the battle on their own. They also did not sit around and do nothing. They were obedient and did what God told them to do.

Reflection: Is worship your last resort or your weapon of choice?

H AS PL S SH UN LA P N S SO UN N RM A O A RA CN IVE PE R S EY BY AL TO H O BY PH TO O PH

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