06 June 2012 ~ 7 Comments

Worship Off The Stage

Christian Life Random Worship and Guitars

One thing I constantly tell the worship team I lead is that worship should not be limited to the stage. In other words, a personal worship time with Christ is essential in developing a stronger relationship with Him. The one thing that most Christians desire is to be closer to God. This only comes through time spent with Him.

When the amps are cranked, the drums are crashing, and the lights are shining down, it is easy to worship God. Everytime I step up on stage to lead worship, I always make sure my heart is right. Although I love worshiping corporately, I also enjoy worshiping God privately. In fact, the closest times that I have been with God are when I have been able to worship Him with no distractions.

Recently, I have been praying a lot about a song that I believe God has wanted me to introduce on a worship night soon. I wrote most of the lyrics almost a year ago, but I just finished the rest of the bridge and the final melody last week. This song was created through my private worship time with God. The message of the song talk about how we can build up walls that get in the way of our relationship with Christ. It is basically an anthem for allowing Christ to take it all. I will be sharing more about it very soon! So often, many individuals stop at the corporate worship. It never goes beyond that surface. The freedom that can be experienced through personal worship time with God is amazing.

I like the promise that is made in James:

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

-James 4:8

It is great to know that when we make an effort to draw closer to God, He will meet us there! I am so thankful for the opportunity to worship the King of the universe corporately with other believers and alone. No matter what situation you are in, you can worship God.

Challenge: Spend time worshipping God personally. When your heart is already in tune with God, it makes it so much better when God’s children come together to worship! God can do amazing things when His children come together with the same goal in mind.

How can you spend time personally worshipping God today?

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  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    Great point Brandon! Worshippers need to continue that relationship with God even off the stage.

    I also believe this principle needs to be applied in our leadership as well. You can’t lead from the stage, your blog, etc and not apply what you’re talking about.

    • http://www.brandongilliland.com/ Brandon Gilliland

      Exactly! I was hoping that someone would bring up that point in the comments…
      I write these posts for others, but I mainly write them out of experience and as a reminder to myself. There is no way you can effectively lead if you aren’t willing to apply what you teach. Great point, Joe!

  • Kaylie!

    Thats so awesome!! It’s kinda funny cause I just played one of my originals for the first time a few weeks ago too! :) You should record it when you guys play your song then post it!! Does it have a name?

  • http://www.nginaotiende.blogspot.com/ Ngina Otiende

    I have my personal quiet time with God most days of the week – reading my bible, worship and praise and pressing in for other needs. 

    Powerful living comes from those moments – a life that is devoid of that personal and intimate time with God is often defeated and dry, lacking the power and victory that we’ve been promised. I am not perfect in my QT, but i know that it is where my power comes from!
    Great post!

  • Matt Jones

    Good thought Brandon! It also important to point out that worship is not just singing, but a pattern of a life that serves God, seeks ot glorify Him in all actions, and sacrificially gives to others.  Worship is not limited to the confines of music, but is demonstrated in being a living sacrifice before a holy God.  Keep up the good work!

    • http://www.brandongilliland.com/ Brandon Gilliland

      I totally agree with you, Matt! I love the saying “Worship is not a lifestyle… Worship is life”. Worship is everything that we do to serve and bring glory to God. It’s all about Amplifying God’s Kingdom.
      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! Look forward to hearing more from you man!

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