Satan, the Fallen Worship Angel

Hi guys, I had been very busy since past few months. i have to stop writing to focus on some other important stuff. Yesterday I found a "chun"(good) article in guitarpraise.blogspot.com, I must share with you guys. Especially those who're serving in worship ministry. Don't miss it!!... ...

Satan, the Fallen Worship Angel

The Bible names three angels - Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer. The last angel is, of course, better known as Satan. Ps 103:20 tells us that angels are "mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word" - each of these angels represent the various ways we serve God.

Michael is known for being an angel of works, putting into action what is needed to help others ("then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me", Dan 10:13). He is also an angel of warfare ("Michael and his angels fought against the dragon", Rev 12:7), and represents the spiritual battles we fight for others in the community. The second angel is Gabriel, who is known for delivering God's Word. Gabriel is most well known for preparing Mary for Jesus' birth (Luke 1:26-38); he was also called to speak to Daniel about a vision (Dan 8:16).

The last (ex)angel, Lucifer, served God in worship, like many of us. I find it quite uncomfortable to be compared with the devil, but the truth is that we we need to keep on our toes against vanity and pride.

Ezekiel 28:12-14 tells us that Lucifer was a beautiful creature:
"You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.. every precious stone adorned you... Your settings and mountings were made of gold; You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones".

In the same way, musicians can look quite good on stage, and do get quite abit of attention from their friends. I do get abit of 'fame' in church, from people recognising (recognising, not admiring!) me from playing the guitar. When I meet friend's friends in church, I'm always introduced as the guy who plays the guitar on stage, like its something cool.

The attention can get to one's head, as was with the devil:
"Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor" (Eze 28:17).

Satan himself has walked down the path of pride, and tempting people into self-glorification could very well be his most powerful weapon against us. After all, it was what led to the first sin and the separation between man and God. As a result, musicians are very exposed to his temptations. We must guard our hearts and minds, and constantly walk down the path of humility. We must also see ourselves not as musicians, or worse, rock stars, but first and foremost servants of the Lord.

Look forward not to your friends' praises, but to the Lord's delight in you. James 4:10 tells us to "humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you". Imagine finally coming before the throne of God - seeing His glory, we prostrate in unworthiness before Him. Yet, God comes to us, brings us back to our feet, and tells us that He is proud of us, for putting Him before our pride. Just as Ps 84:10 writes that "better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere", better is one word of praise from the Lord than to have fame amongst the multitudes.

On a more practical level, here are two tips:

• The small things matter. There's alot of 'menial' work in the ministry, like hauling amps and mixers around. You might also feel reluctant to serve for smaller services, like prayer meetings. Take up your cross and serve in these areas wholeheartedly.
• Deflect & avoid attention. Sometimes, my friends say I 'perform' on stage. I usually tell them, light-heartedly of course, that I prefer to use the word 'serving'. Also, don't do anything that gets you too much attention on stage, e.g. running to the front during a guitar solo.

posted by kenny on Monday, February 09, 2009

God always supply

There was one time I gone back hometown for my mom birthday. During that period, I had very little money in my pocket, I was going through a financial hard time. But anyway, i just gone back. And in a Sunday morning, i attended a church nearby my home (about 40 kilometer from my home, it's actually not so near). I attend this church only once every 4-5 months, because i don't go back hometown that often for it's quite far from where I'm staying now.

In that Sunday morning i was very sleepy because i didn't sleep well in past few night, but i still went to church because want to live up to my identity as a christian, praise God and listen to the His words. So I reached the church and went into the hall, unlike last time, that day i didn't greet with much people because don't want people see my sleepy face. And i saw the senior pastor of that church. When he saw me, he was full of enthusiasm and came and greeted me. With all my strength, I opened my eyes as big as I could; and smile with him as bright as I could. He asked me about my life after joining full time ministry. And suddenly he said: "Why not later you share your testimony in full time ministry, and give some words of encouragement to our brethens?" Immediately, I was not sleepy, replied: "Oh. Erm... Yes sure!"

After he went away, i quickly seek the Lord in prayer and flipped the Bible. Soon later, God put in my heart to share about my serving in youth ministry... And then, after worshipping God, the senior pastor went to the stage started a real short greeting. And when i actually still preparing myself, he introduced me and called me to share tesimony. Fuuu.... I went to the stage and held the mic, opened my eyes as big as possibe. Then i started to share. I really didn't prepare much, i shared with them regarding the recent youth project in our church. And God moved me to share the scripture that I prepared before the worship start, this was the only thing prepared. It was John 1:5, and God moved my heart to share this and i started to shared with conviction of the Holy Spirit. Saying we are the one who will bring light to the darkest place, and remind them don't stay in comfort zone but go out and see what happening in our responsible community. Wow, it is very good feeling after you share with people what God put upon your heart.

Of course, I didn't hold the mic throughout the whole service. I went back to my seat, and listened to the following message. And my eyes became heavy again. I believed I "fought a good fight" throughout the gathering.

As I was ready to depart the church when it was ended, the senior pastor greeted me. And he passed me an envelope... "Bro Jimmy, this is our love gift to you...And why not you let me know when you coming back next time, and I may invite you to speak to our church." I was shocked at a short moment! I thanked him and agreed with that.

Wow! wonderful right? When i was actually not in my best form, God let me share a testimony to a church; I received a financial blessing when I was lack; and I received a "speaking engagement". Praise God!! Lastly i want to bless you with a verse: ...Looking at His disciples, He said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. (Luke 6:20-21)