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Psalm 103 is a great Psalm of praise.

In its familiarity, we sometimes overlook an important word in verse 2. The word is “benefits.”

The scripture begins with “Bless the Lord, O my soul!” Before you read further, take a moment to just “bless the Lord.” Tell him how much you love him. Thank him for his steadfast and unending love for you. Acknowledge him as your strength and your provider.

Verse 2 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his BENEFITS.” The following verses spell out some of those benefits.

vs 3: He FORGIVES all your iniquity.
vs 3: He HEALS all your diseases.
vs 4: He REDEEMS your life from the pit.
vs 4: He CROWNS you with steadfast love and mercy.
vs 5: He SATISFIES you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Stop. Read. Listen.
Take a few minutes to read and absorb Psalm 103. God can use his scripture to draw you near to him in a personal time of worship. As you read, consider his greatness. Consider all that he has done for you.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

As worship leaders, it is so important that we are confident in what we do.
Vocalists ~ know your words and the melodies or harmonies
Instrumentalists ~ know your chords, notes, music
Sound operators ~ know your board, your room, the vocals and instruments
Media (screens) ~ know the songs, the words, the flow, the order
Lead Worshiper ~ know the congregation, what they know, where you are going, etc.

Everyone, spend time in God’s word and in prayer as you prepare each week.

As you prepare to lead this week…
…be grateful for those God has brought your way.
…be grateful for the talent he has given you to lead others.
…be grateful for your relationships.
…be grateful for the opportunity to point others to Jesus through worship.

Comment here if you have more ideas of how worship leaders should be prepared so they will be more confident as they lead.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15: 1-2 (ESV)

If you lead others, it is important that you are bearing fruit. It is important that others see the fruit of your ministry, not just your actions and words.

Take a moment and reflect on the fruit of your ministry. Then, take a moment and reflect on the fruit from YOU.

Read the following versions of the same scripture. Then, with an obedient heart, ask God to show you how to grow closer to the vine (Him) and ask him to bear more fruit in you and in your ministry.

I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit. (Amplified)

“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. (the Message)

In Luke 8:26-39, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man. Toward the end of the story, Jesus sent the man away and said to him, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” (vs 39)

So often, we quickly overlook all that Jesus is doing in our life, in our ministry, or in our family, and jump to the next situation or event. Instead, there should be a time to reflect with a heart of thanksgiving ALL that Jesus has done for us.

Instead of focusing on the needs that he has not met, take time today to pay attention to all the needs that he HAS taken care of. Instead of willfully being blind to all he has done, ask him to open your eyes to ALL he has done and is doing in your life.

Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:1-3 (NIV)

“…for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.” Luke 1:28-29 (NIV) Mary’s declaration

As you enter into worship, first, thank God for all he has done for you; and second, tell others (with a joyful heart) what he has done for you.

“For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5 (ESV)