Journey To Worship

April 8, 2016April 30, 2016

Don’t Miss Your Moment

www.journeytoworship.com — Don’t Miss Your Moment

I’m honest enough to publicly admit a major shortcoming in my character. I’ve been waiting. But I think I’ve been waiting a bit too long.

I like to be very thorough when I study a subject. And if I’m attempting a project, I like to plan in detail so I am able to succeed. But I don’t like to start until I feel confident that I’m prepared. Spiritually I’ve been waiting for God to prepare me to do great things for Him. But it seems as I’ve grown older that God has been waiting for me to take action.

There has always been the idea in my head that if you pray long and hard enough God will reveal His will to you. Then, once you have your marching orders you are set. Now you can go out into battle. But what if you’ve been waiting 20 years and no marching orders have come? Does that mean God isn’t ready yet? Or does it mean God is waiting for us to take action?

Let’s consider this series of questions. What if she hadn’t touched the hem of his garment? What if his friends hadn’t lowered him down through a roof to see Jesus? What if she hadn’t had the boldness to enter the throne room of the king uninvited waiting for the approval of his extended scepter? Would her people have been saved? Would he have been healed? Would her bleeding have stopped?

It seems that God has some things that he will only give to us if we take an action first. The action is our demonstration of faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, ” But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Asking, seeking, knocking or even reaching can be our sign of faith that pleases God. He in turn blesses our faith action with a favorable result. But what if we never took that leap of faith?

I believe that the stories of the bible reveal consequences both of taking action and of refraining. The 5 foolish virgins don’t get to go to the wedding. The servant who hid his one talent gets it taken away from him. There were two thieves at the cross with Jesus. One reached for life and got it. The other simply missed his moment. Please don’t miss your moment!

March 17, 2016April 30, 2016

Through My Eyes

Good Evening!

It’s been a little bit since I’ve shared with you. I’ve been through a lot. Yet I’m still on the journey to worship. And that’s good news! And if I had the chance to hear a bit of your story I know you’ve been through a lot yourself. Sometimes we just have to take a moment to rest and rejuvenate. I feel that my batteries are recharged so here we go.

In a few months I will be blessed to reach another birthday, a very special one. Reaching this milestone has inspired me to reflect about life differently. There is so much hype about achieving success that we are more than not constantly in a stressed out mode pursuing things that often don’t make us happy once we get them. But the reason that we are taught to pursue these things is because it helps someone else make more money.

If there’s one thing that I hope this blog and your journey to worship lead you to is this: your quality of life does not consist in the abundance of things that you possess. I watched a documentary this past week by a movie director who made it big. With the money from his first movie he purchased a mansion in Beverly Hills. When his second movie was a great success he purchased an even bigger mansion. But the funny thing was that after the movers left on the day he moved into his first mansion he thought to himself, “I’m not any happier having this house.”

What makes me happy right now is the idea that I might give to someone reading this blog something that might change their life…something that might make their journey safer, happier, or just plain more fun. The pursuit of God or worship in general has often become a boring ritual. We don’t often think of it as fun. But I’d like to suggest that God showed us the example of where joy and fun come from. God gave us the gift of life. He gave us the ability to be givers just like him. We can give to a stranger or to our children. We can give money or we can give attention or time. But when we give we create something priceless with our actions. This is the essence of the fruit of the spirit. This is love–the act of giving of self to make others healthy, happy, or whole.

I’d like to dare you to stop whatever you were doing and take a moment to give to someone else right now. It can be a compliment or it can be a donation. It can be a hug or a kiss or it can be a word of wisdom. It’s what you see as an unmet need. Look for it. I’m sure if you pray and ask God to show you, you’ll see what you should give. If you would, please share in the comments how it made you feel to give and perhaps if you know how it made the recipient feel as well. Let’s make the world a better place with one simple gift.

We may argue about theology till the end of time but there is no debate about the beauty of love expressed through the kindness of giving. That’s worship through my eyes.

November 25, 2015

Journey To Worship in Korea

Did you know that the largest church in the world is in South Korea? I didn’t know that before I went. But my journey to Korea enriched my life greatly. The influence of this journey is part of the inspiration for my new musical Journey To Worship.

In August of 1989 I began my journey to Korea. When I arrived after a very long flight from Maryland to California to Hawaii to Seoul, I was amazed at all the people. I had to learn that because of the density of people I shouldn’t take offense if someone bumped into me and didn’t say sorry. Seoul was filled with beautiful people.

The people were so willing to help me when I had a question to ask. I enjoyed all the conversations I had in Taxis or on the trains. I was determined to learn the language and I knew I had to practice at every opportunity. Also, because I was teaching English I knew my students would want to practice their English most of the time so I felt blessed to find some of the staff who were willing to help me learn. Pastor Kim, Il Mok volunteered to teach me Korean and I was a highly motivated student. My dad spoke Spanish and some Portuguese but I had never had the chance to master a second language and so I was eager to learn.

I not only learned the language but I also learned so much about the culture. I would like to invite you to come and hear more of what I was blessed to learn from my experience in my new musical, Journey To Worship. In fact, for those of you who have read this blog I will offer you a special discount on tickets to the premiere performance, December 5, 2015 at 5:30pm at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church. Just email me at David@journeytoworship.org and put the word “Discount” in the subject of your email to me and I’ll share the details.

From the beginning of this blog I have shared stories about my journey to find Worship That Nourishes. My Journey to Korea lead me to make several discoveries which proved to enrich my spiritual experience. I hope you’ll be able to join us December 5 but if not the production will be touring in 2016. Come back to this blog for updates on our tour schedule. Thank you for your continued support of Journey To Worship.

November 19, 2015November 19, 2015

Get Your Tickets

November 1, 2015November 1, 2015

Journey To Worship: A Worship Musical

Journey To Worship: The Musical

Have you ever wondered if this is all there is?
David asked himself that question one day and didn’t like his answer. So he set out on a journey to discover the meaning and purpose of his life. Although blessed at a young age to have a taste of money and fame he still didn’t have peace and joy inside. He decided to leave his familiar surroundings and head to South Korea as a missionary to teach English.

During his journey he discovers that God has been drawing him into a life of worship where everything that he does is for God’s glory. And before his oversees adventure comes to an unexpected stop he is transformed from a life of uncertainty into living with a purpose worthy of dying.

Join us as we share David’s Journey To Worship!
Please purchase tickets or sponsor event below. (note: General Admission Tickets are $25 in advance but $30 at the door. VIP tickets are the first 3 rows)

Written by David Griffiths

Produced by David Griffiths and Gerald Young

Directed by Nicole Morgan

Starring: Dante Pope and Monique Griffiths

Musical Director: Edmond Charles

When: December 5, 2015 at 5:30pm

Where: Nineteenth Street Baptist Church

4606 16th Street, N.W. Washington DC 20011

September 27, 2015September 27, 2015

Maryland Eastern Shore Ministry Opportunity

www.dentonclc.org — Children Love Music!

Maryland Eastern Shore Ministry Opportunity

I am so excited to be returning to Denton, Maryland to teach voice. I will be teaching Tuesday thru Thursday at the Denton Christian Learning Center. Here’s an article as to why I would personally recommend their center if you have a young child who needs daycare; ARTICLE.

I am impressed everytime I am here in Denton, Easton, and Ridgely, by how friendly the people are. When my son and I take our daily walk people are always so friendly to wave as they go by. And you seem to bump into people that you’ve seen in one place at another (Recently we saw a lady who worked in the AT&T store at the Amish Market having supper. We love eating at the Amish Market. Apparently a lot of other people do too.).

Many folks may wonder why I would go teach in an area where I will be charging 60% of what I make across the bridge (And I still have students wanting to study with me over there that I haven’t been able to schedule yet.)

The reason is simple. Teaching music, whether in church or in private one on one lessons for me is about ministry. On my journey to worship, as I have come to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, He leads me to places where I can nourish those who are eagerly awaiting help. While I enjoy sharing music everywhere, I especially like that I’ll be helping with a ministry that has as it’s primary goal to develop young people in the principals of God’s word. I believe these principals will make anyone’s life better. They make me a more valuable teacher, performer, and Father. When I searched google I didn’t find any voice teachers in Denton. I think God has sent me here because there is a need.

Would you please pray with me for this new ministry venture? I thank you in advance for your help.

David

P.S. I want to thank you for your continued support. If you would like to help us in this ministry of bringing worship that nourishes to a starving world, please consider partnering with us by clicking the donate button and blessing us with your financial support. Your support determines the amount of people we are able to reach and we are grateful that you even take the time to read what we are sharing. God bless you!

Dcg

September 21, 2015September 21, 2015

Goodnight Prayer For Encouragement

It occured to me that it might be helpful from time to time to have a goodnight prayer time via periscope.

I will share it in this post. I hope that you are blessed by it. I’ve heard that it has already been a great blessing to others.

August 31, 2015August 31, 2015

God Restores

Psalm 23:3 “He Restoreth My Soul…”

God restores

Have you ever felt like giving up? The reasons can be many but the feeling is singular…don’t want to try anymore. You just want to quit. That job, that marriage, that journey to wellness, that journey to worship, whatever it may be: You just want out!

I have good news for you. GOD RESTORES!

Ask Adam: he lost two sons by one murder but God gave him another and our whole world as descendants. Noah lost all his neighbors in a flood but God made him a savior for the whole world and the father of us all…and the animals were grateful for their ride in the ark as well. Job lost everything but when he prayed for his friends God gave him more than ever. There are so many stories but the common thread is that tomorrow comes and God is there. He heals, He mends, He RESTORES.

When we break a bone we can’t use it for a while because it takes time to heal. But GOD RESTORES so you can use it again. Your heart may be aching right now…that’s OK. You’ll feel better again. Just don’t give up on God. Remind yourself who He is. I John 4:8 says that God is love. And John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much that He gave up his dearest relationship, His son, to die so that we could be with Him forever. So if God loves us that much He will be certain to give us what we need.

Here’s a song that helps me remember this truth. I wish you well on your journey to wellness and journey to worship. Never give up! GOD RESTORES.

August 22, 2015August 22, 2015

Does God Prefer Mandarin Mantras Or Hispanic Hallelujahs?

Does God prefer Manderin mantras or Hispanic Hallelujahs?But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Does God prefer Mandarin Mantras or Hispanic Hallelujahs? In other words does God accept worship from one cultural context over another? Is one location for worship superior than another? Do I need to make a pilgrimage? Do I need to renounce my African American mannerisms and song stylings in favor of something more british or better yet yiddish?

Imagine leaving the familiar vestiges of worship and going to a far far away place. In this place they don’t speak english. They don’t enjoy the same songs that you have come to know as being part of coming together in God’s presence. They read the bible in their own language. They love Jesus. But they don’t even greet each other the same way you do. They bow to each other. Now imagine that you must preach a sermon there. In fact, you must stay there for nearly a year preaching every weekend. The best english level of any church member other than the pastor is probably equivalent to a 5th or 6th graders level of understanding. Will you sense God’s presence? Will you “feel God’s Spirit moving?”

That was my challenge. I was a missionary in Korea. I was faced with a stunning realization. What I called worship wasn’t worship at all. And I had to find Jesus in a new context and realize that true worship can be found in many cultural contexts. And that one context should not proclaim itself as the end all be all.

Jesus teaches us this in his conversation with the woman at the well found in John 4. She wants to know whether salvation is of the Samaritans or of the Jews. Do we worship in the right place or do the Jews have it right. Jesus let her know that while the Jews have the honor of being the historical repository of God’s relationship with man, the time now is when God’s main concern is “Do you worship me in spirit and in truth.”

What does this mean? And how does that answer the question as to whether God prefers Mandarin Mantras or Hispanic Hallelujahs?

To worship in spirit is to worship from the inside out. In I Corinthians 2 we are told that no one knows the thoughts of another person except that person’s spirit. We are then told that God has shared his Spirit with us so that we are made aware of his thoughts. Those who worship God in spirit receive God’s presence into their heart and are made aware of God’s desires and his plans. The water that wells up inside us so that we need never thirst again is God’s Spirit overwhelming us with His love and revelation.

In addition to God’s revelation through His Spirit he also leads the true worshippers into truth. We find God’s truth in his word. That’s why the combination of prayer and bible study is so effective. We are moved by His spirit. We are instructed by His word. We learn what is true. We then live in sincerity from the inside out that which is pleasing to God and verified to be according to His ways.

So we are not champions of liturgical structure–we must have a morning hymn before scripture reading in order to have real worship. The woman at the well had real worship because Jesus met her where she was and filled her to overflowing. She then shared with those from her cultural context what he had told her–the truth. She was filled with his Spirit and in sincerity of spirit shared the truth He revealed to her. Then they listened to Him for themselves and said that they now believed as well. No longer caught up on which mountain to worship on they instead became focused on spirit and truth.

It was hard for me to worship for so many months there in Korea without the extemporaneous eruptions of “Sing” and “Well. Preach Preacha!” When I sang there was no encouragement from the saints that listened that they were feeling God’s presence through my songs. I didn’t hear as many “Amens” as I preached God’s word. But nevertheless HE WAS PRESENT BOTH IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. And that’s all that matters.

Much of what we call worship isn’t. We have deified the ritual. If we don’t hear our favorite style of music we don’t think that God is in the building. If the presentation doesn’t give us the warm fuzzies we had when we first came to know and love the Saviour of the world then we feel something is wrong. Perhaps what is wrong is our definition of worship. Let us come to God with a sincere heart praying for the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. Let us read daily His word. Let us meet together in one another’s homes. Let us eat together and pray together and sing together. Let us live a life of worship IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.

My prayer is that we will focus less on where we are and more on being in His presence where He is!

https://youtu.be/1oo6lx_4MBY

Where You Are

I wanna be in your presence

I wanna stay on your hill, Lord

I wanna be in your presence

Where you are

(Repeat)

I wanna stay on your mountain

Play on your hill

I wanna stay on your mountain

I’ll yield and be still

I wanna stay on your mountain

Play on your hill, Lord

I wanna be in your presence

Where You are

I wanna be in your presence

I wanna stay on your hill, Lord

I wanna be in your presence

Where you are

(Repeat)

For there is salvation

On your holy hill

For there is salvation

I’ll wait and be still

For there is salvation

On your holy hill, Lord

I want to be in your presence

Where You are

I wanna be in your presence

I wanna stay on your hill, Lord

I wanna be in your presence

Where you are

(Repeat)

August 22, 2015

If You Believe, Ask!

Matthew 7:7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”(NLT)

It’s really very simple: If you believe, ask!

Let’s say I’m your best friend. I happen to own a rental car business that’s in multiple locations and very successful. We’ve been friends since childhood.

You hear bad news that your aunt has passed away and she lives in a small town 5 hours away that doesn’t have a major airport near it. Unfortunately, you’ve messed up your credit with a bankruptcy and you don’t have a credit card to use to get a rent a car. And so you decide not to go as you don’t own a car either. Later that day we go out to eat and you share with me how sad you are that you are missing your aunt’s funeral. I ask why you can’t make it and you explain the situation. I have a puzzled look on my face and scratch my head. Then I ask you, “Why didn’t you ask me for my help?” You stare without response silently at the floor.

So let me think about this from a heavenly perspective. The bible tells us that God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Revelation 4:11 let’s us know that he made it because it’s what he decided he wanted–it pleased Him to create everything. He made everything and not at someone else’s command but just ‘cause He wanted to, and the bible also says that God loves us. John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus, His only son, to die for our sins. So if God is the creator of everything and God love us so much that He wouldn’t even hold back His very son to help us, why wouldn’t we ask Him for his help in any and every situation? It doesn’t add up.

If we believed God was powerful enough then why wouldn’t we ask. So we must not believe He is as described in the bible. We must not believe in the flood–God sending a prolonged hurricane or typhoon to submerge the whole earth except for Noah and all who would get on the ark. We must not believe Daniel was kept safe in the lion’s den. We must not believe that Jesus showed up and kept the 3 hebrews in the fiery furnace safe. We must not believe, or we would ask.

But probably closer to the truth is that we don’t believe God will do what we want. We may believe the stories of the parting of the Red Sea or the tumbling down of the walls of Jericho, but we probably remember prayers that we prayed when we first believed that didn’t go our way. Did someone forget to tell us that God is not a genie?

From what I learned about the dwellers of the special bottles, they are suppose to come out when we rub the bottle and grant us three wishes. I think that many of us were introduced to prayer like it was rubbing the bottle and we would get whatever our three requests were. Perhaps someone could have enlightened us to know God can say, no!

So maybe what we are really saying is this: I believe you exist. I believe you created everything cause you wanted it. I even believe that you sent Jesus to die for my sins. So you must love me. But I just don’t trust you enough to let you decide what’s best for me. And so many others have hurt me by not doing what they said they’d do or not having my best interest at heart when they said no that I don’t want to open myself up to be disappointed like that again! God, I don’t want you to break my heart. God, I don’t want to give up what little control I think I have. But if I believe He can, and I believe He loves me, then I trust that He who made me and loves me knows what’s best for me. He could do things as he pleases and not regard my wishes at all. But instead God has given me an opportunity to give input because this draws me into a close relationship with Him. He wants me to have worship that nourshes by having a personal relationship with Him..

So I return to where we began.

It’s simple, really. If you believe, ask!