The Heart of Worship

by Pastor Roger Byrd, Worship Pastor

A couple of weeks ago, a couple in the choir sent a card to me with an article from the Washington Post.

Choirs are large families. Singing in them promotes social bonding and joy. Choir members are more optimistic, less lonely, and more likely to contribute positively to the community. A sense of achievement comes from blending notes with others and working together to master a work. The text is often inspiring and beautiful, so despite the day's travails, choir members leave rehearsals feeling ‘this is a very positive thing that I can be a part of.’ The Bible knew that all along. Choirs are a biblical part of God’s scheme of worship! Don’t miss it in your church! (excerpt from The Washington Post, June 25, 2023)

Sooooo….does that inspire you to want to experience what it’s like singing in our VCN Choir? I thought so! Come check us out in the sanctuary on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm.

God deserves our worship. Worship is a right and fitting response to God both because of who He is and because of what He has done. (Psalm 98)

God requires our worship. The relationship between God and His people, under both the Old and New Covenants, is established by God’s initiative and on God’s terms. (Exodus 20:1-6)

God enables our worship. It’s worth noting that worship is only possible because God made it so. Worship, in all its forms and expressions, is first and foremost for God’s pleasure, not ours. (Romans 12:1)

God is looking for worshipers. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2 that when we offer ourselves to God in worship, God renews our minds and enables us to discover his will; we begin to think as He thinks and value what He values. Living a life of worship is the secret to living a life of friendship with God. Worship and friendship with God are the same thing. This means worship is not just a part of your life …

… it is your life.

From my heart to yours —

The night before my heart transplant, I was leading a rehearsal for a group of people, and I felt compelled to share a passage of Scripture with them. I read Psalm 27:1 and said, “I’m not sure who needs to hear this but I am compelled to share it with you. If anyone within the sound of my voice is going through anything that is making you afraid or fearful, based on God’s word, please do NOT be afraid or feel alone. He is with you and you have many blessings for which to give Him thanks.” 

Little did I know at the time,  the following day I would receive a phone call that a heart had become available to me, and I needed to get to the hospital. You’re right - I was not afraid nor should you be no matter what life is throwing at you.

If you see me before or after church, I can show you the necklace that I have worn every day since my heart transplant. It has that verse inscribed on it, “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

I trust that He is your light, salvation, and strength as well.