Worship Matters chapter 11

    In this chapter, Bob starting to expand his previous emphasis on taking Holy Spirit as the main focus in worship. He suggests that if we apply this concept to our surrounding and daily life, the effect will be amplified not only for ourselves, but also have influence to others. Through real life application of God's teaching, we could achieve more than just leading worship. Instead of spreading his glory through music, we can now do it along in our daily life to have positive influence to people around us. And to go further beyond communication, we can set it as a goal to keep ourselves on track.

    I like how Bob goes further from the basic principles of worship. Everybody knows to have God as a focus in the worship process is important, yet it is hard for everyone to keep track on it. But Bob set the bar even higher, which is to combine daily life along with it. We might interpret it impossible, but if we actually try to do that, we might find it even easier to have control on the focus of worship. Because when we are trying to accomplish something that is greater than the original goal, the previous one will seem to be a bit easier than it used to.

   

Worship Matters Chapter 10

    In this chapter, Bob talks about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Worship performances. He stresses about the spiritual involvement during worship is one of the most important factor and points out how worship performers sometimes don't seem to be about God. Moreover, Bob believes to have a heart filled with the love of the Lord is bigger than any talents. To worship is to lift up the presence of the Holy Spirit and support God's teaching. If we go outside of the zone, then we can not be able to spread God's words.

    I have seen many people stress about the importance of being on the same side with the Lord. Still, many people forget about that when they worship. Through Bob's suggestion, however, it seems to me that to be more focused on God is to have ourselves to have this idea of purifying and improving the surroundings and help others that are around us to feel the presence and calling of the Lord. It's unavoidable that sometimes we can meet temptations and be confused with our own desire. But I believe, as long as we uphold the Holy Spirit to its place, the light of the Lord shall guide us through all obstacles.

Worship Matters Chapter 9

       In this chapter, Bob talks about how God shines his light upon others through his own presence in people's lives. He encourages us to approach God through spiritual connection and believe in the Lord's love. Bob argues that it is not about where and how many people there are, it's about our own minds and senses, whether or not we are being faithful. Because it doesn't make a difference for ourselves to pray and worship in different places. Only through being hungry and focused for God can help us connect with him spiritually.

       In my past experience, I saw small churches struggling for expansion. Indeed, through expanding our community, more people can hear God's voice, but when we focus too much on the size, we would neglect our feelings for God. I think Bob's suggestion really helps with this kind of issue, because many congregations are facing this problem right now, and to be ambitious while being faithful, we should put our hearts and minds into seeking God's voice and guidance, so we won't lose our connection in the process.