RE: [Worship] On my own

["Robb Sadler" <rsadler@mrgiga.com>]

Tom,

I hear you!

I went through a very difficult year 2000, and in retrospect, I have found:

1. I've led worship in many churches after stepping down last spring for
several reasons. Each place is different but still run by humans (complete
with faults!).

2. No matter how "free" I think any church might be, there are always,
always politics and contention everywhere you look throughout the body. This
is the enemy sowing tares! I have come to expect it and try very hard to not
let it take my focus. I also try and not sow any myself in judgment!

3. We are called to obedience, and some of us may have a lot of "Jeremiah"
work. He spent his time telling people things that they did not hear. (At
least you have the list! ;~) ). The thing we have that will keep us the best
is a relationship with Jesus. If you can dig into Him, and spend time with
Him, He can give you peace amidst the struggle.

4. I seem to have more discernment than ever, I see all kinds of stuff. But
the more I see, the more the Lord reminds me that I am in need of mercy as
much as the next guy! I need to show mercy and grace so that others can
experience it. No amount of convincing will change a person inside. It takes
the Holy Spirit to make a change from within. Pray!

5. I have a small circle of friends that I know will stand by me. This is a
good investment. Worship and pray together and be strength to one another.

6. Remember the audience of one. Be an example, and let your focus be on
your Lord.

7. You don't have to limit yourself to one place of worship. Some folks
participate in worship in one place and lead in another. This can be very
helpful if you have a "headwind" where you are leading.

8. Again mercy and love. This hit me really hard this year -- Jesus was in
love with us like a bridegroom with a bride before He redeemed us! He loves
us when we are dirty and smelly and rebellious and hateful and backbiting.
He forgives us and gives us a clean white slate! This is our second highest
calling to love one another.

9. If you ask God to give you a gift of tears for your people, and you are
persistent, He will give you a heart that sees beyond the religious faces,
and into the souls that desperately want to believe that there's more to
this than simply function and form!

Sorry - got long (again, as always).

May God bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you!

Blessings to all,

Robb Sadler


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