June 29, 2025
The following is from an article I came across many years ago, and, which I go back to read every once in a while because it expresses so well what I believe about the priority of worship. It was written by Steve Phifer. Let’s see what it has to say to all of us.
King David said “I will not offer to God that which cost me nothing.”
As we gather together, some of us want praise and worship to be easy, well within our comfort zones. It is as if we are saying, “I know what I like, so don’t try to make me do anything different.” What we are really saying is, “I’m comfortable, I don’t want to learn anything else, don’t make me work.” Doesn’t that attitude constitute cheap praise and lazy worship?
Look at those people on the platform. Their faces beam with the joy of praise. Are you one of those who will just stand here and try to get through another service? What is the difference? Those singers and players have paid a price for their praise. They have worked at their worship. They arrived long before you did to prepare their praise. Their praise and worship springs from a costly routine of rehearsal and prayer. It isn’t cheap and they aren’t lazy.
Look at your worship leader. For every song he asks you to sing, he has considered five or ten. Every song list he leads you through is really a sacrifice of praise, the product of seasons of prayer and a lifestyle of worship study. He and others have worked many hours this week preparing the songs they ask you to sing. It is by no means cheap and they are by no means lazy.
Look at your Pastor. He is about to preach the Word, All hell opposed him. He needs warriors on the platform and in the pews who will chase the devils with the power of their praise and clear the heavens of opposition with the worthiness of their worship. He has paid a price in the Secret Place where there is power. There is too much at stake to be selfish with our worship.
Look at your heart. Is your heart fixed on Jesus? Are you determined to praise Him and worship Him in spite of everything rather than because of it? Did you come to the service determined to present your personal sacrifice of praise to the Lord? Is your highest goal to give unto the Lord or to receive from Him?
Look at your Savior. He gave His all for us. All He is looking for from us is true worship, for when He has that, he has all our talents and ambitions. Are we giving Him the seat of honor with our praise? Are we washing His feet with our worship? Or do we think that He has come to serve us, to answer our laundry list of requests?
Cheap praise and lazy worship do little for Jesus or for a lost humanity. Let us all stretch beyond our comfort zones today. Let us pay the high price of true praise and worship. When we do, His kingdom will come and His Will will be done in this very room.
I look forward to worshiping with you this coming Lord’s day. Pastor Bart
THE PRAYER ROOM
(Room #206)
Will you take the opportunity to pray? You are encouraged to pray on Sundays for Morning Worship. During the week, Prayer Room is open to you during church office hours.
There is a barrel in the Office Hallway for donations to the Yavapai Food Bank.
ScheduleforSunday,June29,2025
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202
Prayer Room open @ 9:00 AM Room #206
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Schedulefortherestoftheweek:
Tuesday@ 10:00 AM in Room #202 - Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday@ 6:30 PM in Cabin - Youth Group
Thursday@ 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall - Adult Bible Study with our
NOTE: FAMILY WORSHIP IS SUNDAY 6/29/25.
YOUTH GROUP
STUDENTS in grades 7-12 Wednesdays 6:30 PM at the cabin
Men’s Bible Study Room #202 Tuesday Mornings 10:00 a.m.
Adult Bible Study Thursdays @ 6 PM in Fellowship Hall
IF YOU NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE
Deacon of the Week: Bruce Puffer 928-499-5882
Wear your Red, White and Blue Jeans! Come for church - Stay for a lunch of Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and even a . . . Chevrolet! Celebrate America’s Birthday!
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2025
https://www.guidestone.org/Mission-Dignity
Morning Worship at a Glance
“Firm Foundation”
“Heavenly Sunlight”
“Everlasting God”
“Higher Ground”
Welcome & Offertory Prayer
“Lead On, Good Shepherd”
“Fly”
“Cry of My Heart”
IAM THE LORD YOUR GOD
Guest Preacher
Dr. Dallas Bivins, Director, Gateway Seminary Phoenix Campus
“Song for the Nations”
“Cry of My Heart”
Offerings and Connection Cards will be collected in the Offering Boxes located just inside the two main entrances into our Worship Center, as well as in the Office Hallway.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2820 N. Pleasant View Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
928-772-7218
www.firstsouthernpv.org
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265
PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org
Worship Pastor Bart Young 928-254-8713
PastorBart@firstsouthernpv.org
Advancing the Kingdom of God one heart at a time.
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