Bible Reading versus Bible Study (sneak peak at 2024)

What is the difference between Bible reading and Bible study? 

Bible reading involves reading from the Bible, typically a set number of pages or chapters. This gives a person a familiarity with the Bible, its stories, and teachings.

Bible study involves more in-depth work. That might be journaling along with the Scripture and listening for God's teaching. It could involve cross-referencing that day's passage with other parts of the Bible. It might even involve breaking out some extra-biblical resources to learn more about the historical context, other events at that time, or similar threads.

This year (2023) was more of a flurry of Bible reading, followed by a flurry of studying the names of God. From Dec. 2022-Nov. 2023, I read through the entire Bible (NIV), recording the different names, titles, and descriptions of God. I recorded it in a spreadsheet every week, but I foolishly decided to wait until the end of the year to crunch this data. 

Next year (2024), I am hoping to blend Bible reading and Bible study together. 

Part of the Bible study will be summarizing the Names of God in the Bible. We'll fit the 66 books into the 52 weeks of the year. 

The word cloud is not quite what I visualized. I was hoping that each line of text would be treated as a unique input. I wanted "Lord", "the Lord", and "the Lord God Almighty" to all be different entries in my word cloud. However, the word cloud instead looks for the most frequently used keywords and makes a word cloud based on overall frequency. 

Note: I recorded the names of God as they appeared in my daily reading. I did not keep tallies and add up EVERY time a name appeared. If it appeared multiple times in that day's reading, I recorded it once, but if it appeared multiple times in multiple day's readings, I would record it each day.

	1st Sat	2nd Sat	3rd Sat	4th Sat	5th Sat
Jan	Genesis	Exodus	Leviticus	Numbers	n/a
Feb	Deuteronomy	Joshua	Judges	Ruth	n/a
Mar	1 & 2 Samuel	1 & 2 Kings	1 & 2 Chronicles	Ezra	Nehemiah
Apr	Esther & SOS	Job	Psalm	Proverbs	n/a
May	Ecclesiastes	Isaiah	Jeremiah	Lamentations	n/a
Jun	Ezekiel	Daniel	Hosea	Joel	Amos & Obadiah
Jul	Jonah & Micah	Nahum & Habakkuk	Zephaniah & Haggai	Zechariah & Malachi	n/a
Aug	OT Summary	Matthew	Mark	Luke	John
Sept	Acts	Romans	1 & 2 Corinthians	Galatians	n/a
Oct	Ephesians	Philippians	Colossians	1 & 2 Thessalonians	n/a
Nov	1 & 2 Timothy	Titus & Philemon	Hebrews	James	1 & 2 Peter
Dec	1 & 2 & 3 John	Jude	Revelation	NT Summary	n/a

If you want more information on ways to study the Bible, there are multiple resources below that I have used and benefited from.

The Discipleship Place has an elective course on how to study the Bible, under their study tab at the top. 

Secret Church 3 is all about how to study the Bible as well. 

Pleasure and Profit in Bible Study by Dwight L. Moody is a phenomenal book that equips believers in how they can study the Bible better. (Free on Kindle and Project Gutenberg) 

 

What methods of Bible reading do you use? 

What methods of Bible study do you use? 

What resources have shaped how you study the Bible? 

Which allows you to better hear and connect with God? 

Self-Reflection Questions

I love introspection, the discipline of reflecting on my actions, speech, thoughts, and attitudes. Below are some questions that I recently asked myself and recorded my answers in a journal.

Ideally, each year, I will re-ask myself these questions, as the season I'm in continues to grow and change.

Who am I?

Who do I want to be? 

What do I want my life to look like? 

What rhythms and habits do I want to have? 

What non-essentials do I want to cut out? 

What virtues do I want to have?

What vices do I have? 

How can I live out my ideals? 

What are some self-reflection questions that you ask yourself?

Thanksgiving: Bible Edition

The Bible uses the word "thanksgiving" 30 times, "give thanks" 48 times and "giving thanks" 6 times in the NIV.

I encourage you to take some time to read through these verses.

Which verses encourage you? Praise God for the ability to thank Him.

Which verses convict you? Repent and listen to the Spirit guiding you to change.

Which verses confuse you? Break out some resources and study deeper.

What is a verse you want to memorize? Write it down and study it daily. 

What is something new you have learned? Who can you tell about it? 

Worship Word 10: G4576

Our tenth word for worship is Strong's Number G4576, or Greek word sebō.

It is a verb that is used to mean worship, devout, or religious.

Overall, this word means to revere or worship. 

So this worship word is associated with be devout and worshiping God. 

In churches today, we certainly can be religious and even devout, but it is frequently important to re-examine WHO or WHAT we are worshiping. Are we worshiping who the Bible says God and Jesus are, OR are we worshiping a god we have crafted in our likeness, either culturally or even religiously?

Challenge of the Week: Consider the parts of God that you don't understand or are uncomfortable with. Typically if we have a god we 100% agree with and understand, we probably have an idol. 

What teachings of Jesus disturb you or go against your cultural sensibilities? 

Make sure you are revering the real Jesus, and not a version of Him that agrees with your politics, culture, or biases.

Worship Word 9: G4352

Our ninth word for worship is Strong's Number G4352, or Greek word proskyneō.

It is a verb that is used to mean to worship.

So this worship word is associated with reverently kissing a hand, falling on one's knees and bowing forward as a sign of extreme reverence, or kneeling or prostrating oneself in order to express respect or make a request. It also refers to the homage and honor show to those of higher rank.

In churches today, we don't often kneel, bow, or otherwise prostrate ourselves. Yet, what might our worship be like if we did this? 

Challenge of the Week: Imagine yourself approaching God, then acutally and literally, kneel, bow, or prostrate yourself before Him. Journal about the experience.

Worship Word 8: G3000

Our eighth Hebrew word for worship is Strong's Number G3000, or latreuō.

It is a verb that is used to mean to serve, worship, do service, and worshipper.

Overall, this word means to serve as a hired worker or to serve or minister, as either a slave or a free person, to gods or people. In the New Testament, it refers to religious service, homage, or worship. It can also be associated with the sacred services, gifts, or rites used to worship God.

So this worship word is associated with serving and worshiping God.  

In churches today, we often has a shortage of workers in the church. People are hesitant to volunteer to serve, because it is so difficult to get out of serving.

Challenge of the Week: What is one way you can serve God this week? 

Worship Word 7: G2151

Our seventh word for worship is Strong's Number G2151, eusebeō.

It is a verb that is used to mean worship or to show piety. 

Overall, this word means to act in a pious or reverent manner towards God or others.

So this worship word is associated with showing piety at home and worshiping God.

In churches today, we are good at treating those we deem as worthy of respect well, but we don't always treat those on the margins of society with a similar piety. Yet, in Matthew 25, Jesus claimed in his parable of the sheep and the goats, that how we treat others is how we treat Him, whether that is well or poorly is up to us. 

We are sometimes guilty of approaching God with too much familiarity and lack of reverence. We can always approach Him, without a blood sacrifice or a set number of petitioners, yet this amazing communion can become common place and mundane if we treat it lightly. 

Challenge of the Week: Go out and show kindness, charity, and mercy to a widow, orphan, homeless person, refugee, or stranger. 

Bonus Challenge of the Week: Approach God with reverence and awe. Consider the ways He is mighty, awesome, and beyond our human comprehension. 

Worship Word 6: G1479

Our sixth word for worship is Greek word "ethelothrēskia" using Strong's Number G14979.

It is a noun that is used to mean as voluntary, yet arbitrary worship. This refers to misdirected worship that misses the mark, because it is based on what the worshipper wants to do instead of what God prefers.  

Colossians 2:23 is the only instance of this type of "worship" in the New Testament, and in the NIV, is translated as "self-imposed worship". 

So this worship word is associated with worshipping according to our preferences instead of in a way that glorifies God. 

Ouch. Is there any conviction in your heart over this? In churches today, we are often guilty in worshiping how WE prefer, based on our culture, denomination, and other personal preferences. Instead of searching for how God wants to be worshiped, we are overlaying OUR preferences over His and doing what we are most satisfied with. 

In a human relationship, this is the equilivent to taking your partner out to YOUR favorite restaurant to celebrate THEIR birthday.

Challenge of the Week: Spend time with the Spirit and ask how God wants to be worshiped. Study the Bible for insights into how God describes His ideal worship and worship that offends Him.

Worship Word 5: G1391

Our fifth word for worship is Greek word "doxa" using Strong's Number G1391.

It is a noun that is used to mean as glory, glorious, honor, praise, dignity, and worship. 

Overall, this word refers to someone's opinion, judgment, or view. Specifically, a good view of someone which results in praise, honor, and glory. It also refers to godly majesty and perfection of God and Christ. 

Luke 14:10 is the specific use of the "worship" form of this noun in KJV. In the NIV, it refers to a person being honored when they choose the lowest place, but are elevated to a higher place by the host. 

So this worship word is associated with God's glory and the resulting praise and honor due to Him.

In churches today, we spend a lot of time talking about praising God and worshiping Him, but it would be beneficial to actually spend the time on the action itself instead of merely talking about it. 

Challenge of the Week: Focus on God's majesty and perfection. Set aside time to specifically praise Him, honor Him, and give Him the glory.

Faith Lessons from the Farm

During my summers, I volunteer at a local farm. It is hard, hot work, as we prepare the soil, plant, weed, harvest, weigh, and clean the produce.

I sometimes am taught more about my faith through the work I am doing.

As we are preparing the soil, I may contemplate the state of the soil of my heart. Is it rocky, hard, or ready to grow food? 

As we plant seeds, I can ask the Spirit what virtues it wants to plant in me during this week. 

As we are weeding, I begin to wonder about the vices and distractions in my life that are choking out the fruit in my life.

As we are harvesting, I may consider what virtues are still unripe in my life and which ones are now ripe. As I take time to notice the produce ready to harvest, I can also remember to hunt for gratitude and worship in my everyday life.

As we are weighing the produce, I can reflect on how the Spirit has grown the various virtues in me as well as mark this progress.

As we are cleaning the produce, I can contemplate what aspects of my culture and upbringing need to be wiped away from my faith, so only pure faith is left. 

What faith lessons from your normal routines can you tease out from your life?

On the Cusp of Something New

Once more, a season draws to a close, as the next season approaches. 

This can be a time of strong emotions, many of which conflict with each other.

It's possible to mourn the end of the current season, even while feeling excited and nervous for the new season.

We can feel both hopeful and optimistic as we look at the possibilities ahead of us, even as we might feel disappointed that we didn't check off as many things from our list as we had hoped. 

As my summer winds down, and I prepare to return to work in a local school, I am left reflecting on my summer and looking ahead to my new rhythm once the school year starts once more. 

How did I do with loving and supporting my husband this summer? 

How will I build and protect time with him during the school year? 

How did I do with connecting with family and friends this summer? 

How will I continue to connect with family and friends during the school year? 

What things did I accomplish this summer? 

What things do I hope to accomplish during the school year? 

What activities did not get accomplished this summer? Why?

What do I want my priorities to be during the school year? Why? 

What was my schedule and rhythm this summer? 

What do I want my schedule and rhythm to look like during the school year? 

When you are on the cusp of something new, you have the opportunity to reflect, reset, and refocus on what really matters. 

On Direct Communication

There are two types of communicators: direct communicators and...well, I'm sure you understand the other communication style.

(The other communication style is indirect communication.)

Direct communication says what it means, plainly and without frills.

Indirect communication is relying on the other person to pick up on social cues and subtle nuances in your speech. 

The problem is, a direct communicator doesn't always pick up on what the indirect communicator is saying, because the indirect communicator isn't clearly saying what they mean.

I highly appreciate the direct communicators in my life, because I know where I stand with them and I don't have to worry about disregarding their boundaries since they will let me know what they expect from me.

From what I have observed, indirect communicators seem to build up a lot of resentment at others when they don't pick up on the nuances of the speaker. 

There seems to be overlap between setting good boundaries and communicating directly. This isn't to say every indirect communicator has poor boundaries or every direct communicator has boundaries that are well-enforced, but there does seem to be a correlation between speaking directly and having good boundaries. 

I do favor direct communication, even though I can speak indirectly myself at times. 

My husband and I will often paraphrase back to the other person what we heard them say. Sometimes, our conclusions are so far off base, it is almost comical. 

Tips for speaking directly: 

-Say exactly what you mean. If you mean "we should get the grass mowed before it rains", say that instead of "the weather report says it might rain at 2pm". 

-Make a request instead of making a statement. Say "Could you please clean out the litterbox?" instead of saying "The litterbox is dirty".

-Use phrases such as "I want...", "I need...", "I would like...", or even "Could you please..." to make your requests. 

Tips for communicating with an indirect speaker: 

-Repeat back what you think they said. "It sounded to me like you're just making small talk about the weather. Is that right or were you meaning something else?" 

-Question their statements. Ask if they are wanting you to do something, and if so, please say it plainly. 

-Let them know that you will take what they say at face value. If they complain "The house is filthy", feel free to give an equally bland reply "That sounds frustrating." Granted it is a good idea to follow up with a question along the lines of "What are you wanting to do about that?" or "Are you asking me to do something?" 

Are you a direct or an indirect communicator? What tips do you have for communicating clearly? 

Defending the Marginalized

God cares about the fatherless, the widow, the poor, the oppressed, and the foreigner. He commands us to care for them.

Yet we do all we can to get away from this command.

We say it's the State's job and not ours. Even though God commanded US to care for them.

We label them "undeserving". Even though we don't DESERVE God's grace and God didn't add qualifiers like "if they're deserving" 

We spiritualize it and don't meet their needs because we are just praying for them. Even though James condemned faith without action.

We focus on side issues and political hot button issues to the exclusion of God's commands. Even though these were not optional commands from God.

We give up saying that the world is broken and won't be fixed until Jesus returns, so we're just going to have to live with others being oppressed so we won't be inconvenienced. Even though we are told to live justly and walk humbly with God.

Instead of being concerned with OUR rights, let us be the group that speaks up for the groups that society marginalizes. Instead of using our voices to speak on OUR behalf, let us amplify the voices of those being oppressed and ignored. 

Then we will be obeying God's command to care for the fatherless, the widow, the poor, the oppressed, and the foreigner. 

Worship Song Example: Way Maker

Another great worship song is Way Maker by Sinach and also sung by Leeland. This article does a great job explaining the confusion about who the songwriter is, and why it's important to give the proper credit to the original songwriter (a Nigerian woman). 

• The first verse starts by acknowledging that God is here, moving among us, and at work in our location. Then we affirm that we are worshipping Him. 
• Do I know that God is here with us? 
• How has God been moving among us? 
• How am I worshipping God? 
• How has God been at work where we are? 
• The refrain highlights names of God. Now these names may not be directly quoted from the Bible, but they do seem to fit God. 
• "Way Maker"
• "Miracle Worker" 
• "Promise Keeper" 
• "Light in the Darkness". 
• "My God" (yes, this one is in the Bible)
• The refrain goes on to affirm that these names describe God. 
• How has God been a "way maker" to me?
• What miracles has God worked in my life? 
• What promises has God kept to me? 
• What darkness is in my life, and how has God been light in my darkness? 
• How often do I use the adjectives and names of God to affirm who He is? 
• The second verse has a lot of similarities to the first verse. God is here and we worship Him, but this time, the second verse highlights that God is touching and healing all hearts, as He turns lives arounds mends all hearts.
• How has God touched my heart and those hearts around me? 
• How has God healed my heart and those hearts around me? 
• How has God turned my life around and those lives near me around?
• How has God mended my heart and those hearts around me? 
• The bridge describes how God wipes away all tears (Revelation 7:17 and 21:4 anyone?) and mends our broken hearts. He (Jesus) is the answer to everything.
• When has God wiped away my tears? 
• When has God mended my broken heart? 
• Do I look to Jesus as the answer to everything? 
• What other things (political parties, relationships, nationality) do I look to before I turn to Jesus? 

This is a beautiful song and as I looked into the origins of who wrote it, I came to love it even more. Even though this song is much more modern than the others that I have posted as examples of worship songs, it strongly resonated with me the first time that I heard it and every time since. 

Worship Word 4: G1391

Our fourth worship word is Greek word G1391 in Strong's Number.

It actually is only translated as worship one time. The rest of the time, it is translated as glory, glorious, honor, praise, and dignity. 

In all its nuances, this word is used in the New Testament to describe a good opinion of someone, which makes you want to praise, honor, and glorify them. It can describe the splendor and brightness of the stars and moon in the sky, or of a person's magnificence (specifically Christ or God). It describes the exalted, glorious condition of God and Christ. 

So our fourth worship word is associated with God's glory and honor. It evokes a character that is so good that you want to praise them. It highlights God splendor and magnificence, as He is exalted above us. 

Luke 14:10 is the only place where it is used as worship. It is in the parable of the guests, where we are warned not to seek the best place. 

In churches today, we do need to take time to glorify God. When we give Him the glory, we are giving Him the credit for what He is doing in our lives, community, and world. We are emphasizing His traits that are praise-worthy and considering His magnificence. We know God is exalted and altogether glorious, so we worship Him.

Challenge of the Week: 

Give God the glory for the good things in your life and in the world. 

Praise God for the His characteristics that you consider admirable. 

Worship Song Example: Great is Thy Faithfulness

Another great worship song is Great is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas O Chisholm.

• The first verse focuses on God's faithfulness and consistency. It labels Him as God my Father. He doesn't change. His compassion doesn't fail. God has been and will be forever. 
• How has God been faithful to me? 
• How is God's consistency reassuring to me? 
• How has God been a father to me? 
• How have I seen God's compassion in my life? 
• What does it mean for me to know that God has been, is, and will be forever? 
• The second verse starts off with the seasons, stars, and moon. It mentions how these combine with nature to witness to God's "great faithfulness, mercy, and love."
• How do the seasons, heavenly lights, and nature witness to God's faithfulness, mercy, and love? 
• The third verse is less directly focused on God. While it does identify that God's presence with cheer and guide the singer, the rest of the verse focuses on the blessings of God. For example, forgiveness, peace, strength, and hope. 
• How does God's presence cheer me?
• How does God's presence guide me? 
• What blessings of God have I noticed in my life? 
• The refrain highlights God's faithfulness. It mentions the daily new mercies visible to us. It acknowledges God as the source of all of our needs and that God has been faithful to us. 
• How often do I thank God for His faithfulness? 
• What new mercies do I notice from God? 
• Do I acknowledge God as the source of my needs? 

Even though this song seems to get a little off track by describing nature for most of the third verse, it does center around God and lead us to consider His impact on our lives.

Have you thanked God for His faithfulness? 

Worship Word 3: H5457

Our third Hebrew word for worship is Strong's Number H5457.

It is a verb that is used to mean to prostrate oneself, to do homage, to worship. 

Overall, this word means do homage by prostration. "Prostrate" means to lay flat on the ground, in humility, submission, or adoration.

So our second worship word is associated with laying down flat on the ground as a sign of respect and worship. 

Interestingly enough, this word is just used a dozen times in the Old Testament, and every time is in the book of Daniel. 

The first time it is used, the king is worshipping Daniel. The 2nd-11th times it is used, it is tied to the idol that Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah refused to worship. (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego if we were to call them by their Babylonian names which praise Babylonian gods). 

The last time it is used, the king gave glory to God for delivering them from the king's punishment that they may only serve and worship their own God.

In churches today, we don't often prostrate ourselves before God. Yet, we are to be humble before God. We are to submit to Him. We are to adore Him. 

Challenge of the Week: Prostrate yourself before God this week in humility, submission, and adoration.

Humble yourself as you ask the Spirit to reveal ways your pride is tainting your witness. Ask the Spirit to show the things, people, and identities you are proud of, so you may walk in humility instead.

Submit yourself to God. Ask the Spirit to convict you of areas of disobedience to God. What commands are you ignoring or spiritualizing to the point that they have "no teeth" or cost to you? Where are your culture's attitudes and actions taking precedence over the Bible? 

Adore God. Take some time to reflect on God's character or attributes. Consider how holy He is and how much higher His ways are than ours. Ponder His actions and praise Him for what He has done. Regard God with the utmost esteem, love, respect, and honor. Tell Him why you like and admire Him. 

Worship Song Example: Wonderful, Merciful Savior

My second example of a fabulous *worship* song is Wonderful, Merciful Savior by Selah which focuses on the Trinity. 

• The first verse is about Jesus. 
• Jesus is wonderful and merciful, and our savior. 
• How have I noticed his wonderfulness? 
• How has His mercy been present in my life?
• What did He save me from? 
• Jesus is precious, our redeemer, and our friend. 
• How have I expressed to Jesus how precious He is to me? 
• What does it mean to be redeemed? 
• What are the qualities of being a good friend? Do I treat Jesus as a good friend? 
• Jesus is the lamb that rescued our souls.
• The next verse is about the Holy Spirit. 
• The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, our Counselor, and our Keeper.
• How has the Holy Spirit comforted me? 
• What counsel has the Holy Spirit given me? 
• What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is my Keeper? 
• The Holy Spirit is someone we long to embrace.
• Do I want to embrace the Holy Spirit? 
• The Holy Spirit offers hope when we've lost our ways. 
• When was a time that I lost my way? 
• How has the Holy Spirit given me hope? 
• The chorus tells God that we praise and adore Him. It identifies God as the source of healing and grace that we are hungering for. 
• God is the one we praise.
• What does it mean to praise God? 
• How often do I praise God? 
• God is the one we adore.
• What does it mean to adore God? 
• How often do I adore God? 
• God is the source of the healing and grace that we long and hunger for. 
• How do I show that I recognize God as the source of healing and grace?
• How have I longed and hungered for healing and grace? 
• The last verse is about God the Father. 
• God is Almighty and Infinite.
• What does it mean that God is almighty? 
• What does it mean that God is infinite?
• How does my life change because God is almighty and infinite? 
• God is our Father.
• What is a father like? 
• How is God a perfect father to me? 
• How do the errors and failings of my own earthly father color how I view God?
• God faithfully loves His people.
• How has God faithfully loved me and others? 
• How have I responded to God's faithful love?
• We are found by God in our weakness.
• How has God found me in your weakness? 
• How have I responded to God finding me in my weakness?
• We are falling before His throne. 
• What does it mean to fall before God's throne? 
• When was the last time you fell before God's throne? 
• I love the names and adjectives of God all throughout this song: Savior, Redeemer, Friend, Lamb, Counselor, Comforter, Spirit, Father Wonderful, Merciful, Precious, Almighty, Infinite, Faithful(ly)
• What names and adjectives of God especially resonate with me? 

This song does an amazing job of worship God as it focuses on each part of the trinity. Even though "we" slips in as the subject occasionally, God is clearly the object of this song's worship and is predominately the subject too.

Worship Word 2: H6087

Our second Hebrew word for worship is Strong's Number H6087.

It is a verb that is used to mean grieve (10x), displeased (1x), hurt (1x), made (1x), sorry (1x), vexed (1x), worship (1x), wrest (1x).

Overall, this word means to hurt, to be in pain, be pained, be grieved, to vex, to torture, to cause pain, to feel grieved, be vexed. Yet it can also mean to shape, fashion, make, form, stretch into shape, or worship. 

Out of the 17 times this word is used in the Old Testament, it is only translated as worship 1 time: Jeremiah 44:19. Furthermore, that one time describes worshipping the queen of heaven, not God.

So our second worship word has more negative connotations. There aren't any positive examples or descriptions to emulate.

In the wider context of Jeremiah 44:15-19, the people are rejecting what Jeremiah said to them. They are choosing to burn incense and pour out drink offerings, and make cakes to worship the queen of heaven. They think turning away from the queen of heaven has brought disaster on them. 

The commentary by David Guzik sends some additional light here. He notes that the women played a large part in worshipping the queen of heaven and other idols. The women noted that they acted with their husbands' permission. It's unclear if the husbands commanded their idolatry or permitted it, but they could have chosen to follow God and his commands instead of their husbands into sin and idolatry.

In churches today, we view worship as a positive activity, but the definitions of this of this word gets me thinking about how our actions might grieve the Holy Spirit. When we worship the wrong thing or person, worship becomes a negative thing that vexes God. 

Challenge of the Week: 

Take some time to consider how your actions, allegiances, and attitudes might be displeasing to the Holy Spirit.

Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life that grieve or vex God.

Consider how you might rid yourselves of these hinderances. 

Worship Song Example: Holy, Holy, Holy

Many times, I feel that I am harshly criticizing most worship songs, but there are some songs that I feel are good examples of songs that are *worshiping* God. 

I view a "good" worship song as something sung TO God. Therefore, the pronouns used are "You" instead of "He". I think that a good worship song is as simple as telling God who He is (adjectives and names) and what He has done. 

The first example of a *worship* song is Holy, Holy, Holy. 

My natural worship style is very contemplative. When a song is sung, many times, I want to sit and journal through the lyrics. Below, I provided the reflections and questions that this song brought up in me. 

Holy, Holy, Holy is an old song (from the 1800s) written by Reginald Heber that focuses on the Trinity. 

• The first verse centers on the Lord God Almighty, yet also calls on believers to sing to God in the early morning. 
• God is holy. He is our Lord God Almighty. 
• Do I view God as Almighty? 
• Do I treat Him as holy? 
• Do I praise God in the early morning? 
• How might I adjust my morning routine to make that line true? 
• God is merciful and mighty. 
• How has He shown me mercy? 
• How have I seen His might at work? 
• God is Father, Son, and Spirt: the Trinity. 
• How do I interact with each part of the Trinity? 
• How are they at work in my life? 
• The second verse notes that the saints adore God and throw down their crowns before God. It also describes the cherubim and seraphim falling down before God. 
• The saints adore God. 
• Do I adore God? 
• What does adoration actually mean? 
• How might it look to adore God? 
• The saints throw down their crowns by the glassy sea. (The glassy sea is mentioned in Revelation 4:6 and 15:2 as being near God's throne in heaven). Throwing down my crown evokes an image of surrender to God. 
• What do I need to surrender to Him? 
• What things do I value and idolize that need to be thrown down before God? 
• The cherubim and seraphim fall down before God. 
• What does the Bible say about these beings? 
• If they fall down before God, should I do the same thing? 
• God was; God is, and God will be. This is a comforting statement. God won't be changing or disappearing on me. 
• How does this fact give me strength to face the day? 
• The third verse acknowledges that we can't always see God and sinners can't see God's glory. It acknowledges that only God is holy and He is perfect in power, love, and purity. 
• Sometimes it's hard to see God when circumstances blind me to God's presence. 
• When was a time I couldn't see God due to the darkness around me? 
• What did I learn about God in that season of darkness? 
• Sinful people can't see God's glory. 
• Can I see God's glory around me? 
• God is the only holy one. There is no one else besides Him. 
• Who or what do I tend to idolize as holy or pure? 
• God's power is perfect. His love is perfect. His purity is perfect. 
• How have I seen these in my life? 
• The last verse is highly similar to the first verse, but adds in that God's creation will praise His name. 
• God is holy. He is our Lord God Almighty. 
• How does worshiping, serving, and following a holy, mighty God change my life? 
• Do I treat God as sacred and unable to stand sin, impurity, or uncleanliness in His presence?
• His works will praise Him. 
• How often do I praise God? 
• What has He done recently that should be praised?
• God is merciful and mighty. 
• How has He shown me mercy? 
• How have I seen His might at work? 
• God is Father, Son, and Spirt: the Trinity. 
• How does the Bible describe each member of the Trinity? 
• Which names of each part of the Trinity resonate with me the most and why? 

This song is powerful as it focuses on God and His holiness. Even the second and third verses point us back toward God as the object of our worship, even as the saints, angels, darkness, and sinners slip in as subjects. 

Worship Word 1: H7812

You can find the introduction to my series on worship HERE.

Our first Hebrew word for worship is Strong's Number H7812. 

It is a verb that is used to mean worship (99x), bow (31x), bow down (18x), obeisance (9x), reverence (5x), fall down (3x), themselves (2x), stoop (1x), crouch (1x), and some miscellaneous word (3x).

Overall, this word means to bow down, to prostrate oneself (before a superior, God in worship, false gods, or an angel). 

So our first worship word is associated with bowing down in worship. Obeisance is a deferential respect that can be shown by bowing or curtsying. Reverence is to show a deep respect for someone or something in regard to how we treat them. 

In churches today, we tend to associate worship with songs instead of with bowing down before God.

Challenge of the Week: 

Bow down before God. 

Show Him a deferential respect and reverence through your posture. 

Notice how your posture impacts your thoughts and prayers.

Worship: The Starting Perspective of Liz o' the Niche

Worship is...

It involves praising God for who He is. We can tell God about His attributes that we notice and appreciate.

It involves thanking God for what He has done. We can tell God about His actions that we have noticed and appreciate. 

Worship is complimenting God

I view worship through the lens of human compliments.

If I give a compliment that I don't mean, then it's not a sincere and meaningful compliment.

If I give a compliment, just because it's there on the screen to read, then it's not heartfelt. 

If I give a compliment that is backhanded or false, then it's not a good compliment.

If I give a compliment that isn't appreciated by the recipient, then although I meant well, it is not well received. 

In order to give good compliments, I need to figure out what the other person values and what is something I can genuinely compliment.  

Worship is separate from other ways of approaching God

Petition

Intercession

Lament

Complaint

Wordless/Silence

What would my ideal worship look like? 

I wanted to map out what I viewed as my ideal worship style before my rabbit trail of research: 

*God is the subject of our worship song sentences.

*God is the object of worship song sentences.

*simple, quiet music (not too loud or a distraction)

*only worship/praise/thanksgiving songs

*time for silent contemplation

*worship style of the week: description, explanation, time to practice. 

*consider the words you are saying. change them to be meaningful

*name the song category before singing & describe how this changes our approach to God (intercession song, petition song, lament song, etc.)

Worship: Starting with Questions

What kinds of songs are we singing? 

I broadly categorize songs as being praise, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, or worship. 

I operate in a world with strict definitions and distinctions between categories. There is a difference between a song of praise and a song of intercession. Songs of thanksgiving and songs of petition clearly separate. Worship is different from intercession or petitions. 

While my mind categorizes these songs differently, most worship portions of church services do not. Many songs sung during the worship portion of a church service seem to be asking for things instead of worshiping God. We are not reflecting on what we are singing or why we are singing that type of song. We are singing the songs because we are told to sing them without reflecting on what we are saying, promising, or asking.

The 5 W's of Worship

What is worship? 

On one hand, it's easy to give a definition from an online dictionary: Worship. I'll let you follow the link instead of worrying about correctly citing to avoid plagiarism. 

Worship can be a noun (5 definitions), a verb (paired with an object) (2 definitions), or a verb (without an object) (3 definitions).

On the other hand, this is something that scholars and theologians have debated through the centuries. This is a huge question over which many books have been written and sermons given.

Who do we worship? 

We are worshipping God. He is the subject of our worship. He is the object of our worship.

When do we worship?

Technically we can worship anytime, but most Christians specifically worship during church services. 

Where do we worship?

Technically we can worship anywhere, but most Christians specifically worship at church buildings. 

Why do we worship? 

We worship, because the Bible tells us to worship and we worship because that is our natural response to encountering God, well after the fear that is.

How do we worship? 

This is the tricky bit. The Bible is surprisingly vague on the specifics of worship. This is the bit that changes from church to church and from worship leader to worship leader. 

A New Series on Worship

I struggle to sing worship songs. I find myself weighing and contemplating the words in the songs being sung, instead of singing out. I often wonder if a song is focused on the right recipient, or if we are worshiping ourselves, or something else entirely.

The worship portion of a church service is frustrating for me, because the words of the songs rub me the wrong way. 

• I cringe when a song gives a command to God or when a song is asking God to do something instead of praising or worshiping him.
• I grimace when a song's request goes against what we know of God from the Bible.
• I wonder if others notice who the subject and object of the song truly is.
• I question if others are reflecting on what we are singing and why we are singing that particular song. It seems to me that we are often singing the songs because we are told to sing them without reflecting on what we are saying, promising, or asking.

So I decided to do something about my view of worship. I needed to see what the Bible said about worship to shift my approach and view of worship. This series is a collection of my views before my research, a summary of what I learned, and a reflection at the end. 

• To begin with, I brainstormed answers to the 5 W's questions of worship. I plan to revisit those same questions at the end of my research. I took time to map out how I viewed and defined worship, with the intention of revisiting the topic at the end of the series to see how things have changed.
• I dove into the Hebrew and Greek words for worship in the Bible, using Strong's Numbers to learn what worship was like in the Bible.
• topical study of "worship" (Strong's Numbers)
• types of worship described 
• Psalms: prayer/songbook of the Early Church and my great source of frustration. David doesn't follow my rules of worship.
• I listened to a worship leader podcast to learn from worship leaders what goes on behind the scenes in choosing and preparing for songs.
• Ascribing Worth Scale (more on this in a later post)

It is my hope and my prayer that my view of worship will shift as I learn more about worship in the Bible and types of songs sung in churches. I want to be equipped to recognize a worshipful song so I can better worship God. I hope to recognize the value and importance in songs that are petitions, intercessions, and otherwise human-centered. 

In the next post, I will go over some songs that I currently feel are excellent examples of worship songs.

Setting and Respecting Boundaries

What's something that we like when we have them, but we dislike when others have them? 

Boundaries.

Some of us struggle to enforce our boundaries, which may lead to us resenting the people not respecting our boundaries. 

Some of us struggle to respect the boundaries of others, which may lead to them resenting us for not respecting their boundaries.

It can be hard when we set a boundary and it is not respected. When this happens, we are faced with a choice: we can let our boundary be disregarded, we can explode in anger at the person disrespecting our boundaries, we can continue to enforce our boundary, or we can remove ourselves from the situation. 

We learn a lot about a person based on how they respond to "no". If they try to convince us to change our mind, they are acting in a manipulative manner. If they throw a hissy fit to get us to capitulate, they are showing themselves to be childish. If they resort to mockery and sarcasm, they are willing to use their words to hurt others to get their way. If they use the silent treatment and the cold shoulder, they are showing that their love and friendship is dependent on them getting what they want. 

Tips for respecting other's boundaries: 

-Accept their "no" without complaining, arguing, pouting, or trying to change their mind.

-Acknowledge that it takes courage to set a boundary and they set a good boundary.

-Don't try to trouble-shoot and solve the "problem". Some people will give an excuse for why they can't do something, when they really mean "no, I don't want to do that". When we try to solve their problem, we are forcing them to be more direct than their comfort level. 

-Don't demand a reason for their answer. They do not have to justify themselves or explain their position. 

Tips for setting and enforcing your boundaries: 

-Be polite, but firm. "Thank you, but no".

-Don't feel obligated to give reasons for your no.

-Ask them to respect your decision, and by extension, you as well.

-Tell them this is your boundary and if they can't respect it, your alternative is taking space from them 

The Secret of Not Getting Sick of Christmas

I was struck this year by how some people are sick of Christmas-time, before it's even Christmas. In several conversations I had, people were chomping at the bit to tear down their Christmas decorations because they were tired of this season already. 

There is a "secret" to not getting sick of Christmas: make the holiday wait its turn. People are racing past the season of Advent in order to start the Christmas season earlier each year, but then are ready for the "next thing" by the time that Christmas is actually here.

If we follow the Church Year, then we have 4 Sundays of Advent to prepare ourselves for the 12 Days of Christmas, before the Season of Epiphany starts. Christmas was not meant to be a month+ of celebration and excesses; it was meant to be merely 12 days of feasting after 4 Sundays of preparation (or 40 days of fasting, discounting Sundays, in some denominations). 

Instead of doing the convenient, the comfortable, or everything possible during the holiday season, intentionally map out and build your holiday to keep the focus on Jesus. 

    -Start by taking a sheet of paper and brainstorm everything Advent/Christmas/December related. 

    -Then on a new piece of paper, separate your list into sacred and secular. (This isn't to say that the secular celebrations of Christmas should be trashed, but rather to get a concise list of the sacred traditions of Christmas). 

    -Then on a new piece of paper, separate your list into Advent and Christmas. What traditions are about waiting and anticipating? What traditions are about celebrating and worshiping? 

    -Do the same thing with the songs of the season. Sacred-Secular first and then Advent-Christmas second. 

Instead of setting up everything Christmas related the day after Thanksgiving, slowly start putting things out each week of Advent (granted, some years, Advent actually starts before Thanksgiving). 

Instead of assembling a complete Nativity scene, or scenes as the case may be, make them progressive. 

    -Set out Mary and Joseph the first week of Advent.

    -Set out the angel by Mary the second week of Advent.

    -Move the angel to Joseph the third week of Advent.

    -Send the angels to the shepherds the fourth week of Advent.

    -Put Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve.

    -Slowly move the Wise Men/Magi towards Jesus, but don't let them get there before January 6th (Epiphany). 

Instead of binging on the Christmas music, treats, and movies all month long (or all year long for some), limit them to one day a week (or one season a year) as a special treat.

Christmas is not something we should get sick of, yet after a month of Christmas in overdrive, we are worn out by the 2nd day of Christmas. 

What might you do to separate Advent and Christmas?