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In our online Bible study last night, we began to dig into the themes of Book 3: Psalms 73-89. 

This third volume of praise and prayer consists of only 17 psalms, 11 of which are penned by Asaph.

So I thought, who is Asaph? What's his story? 

Asaph is mentioned a few times in 1 and 2 Chronicles, from where we learn a few things:

• Asaph's name means "gatherer" in Hebrew 
• Asaph was a Levite, appointed by David when the Ark was brought into Jerusalem
• Asaph was a singer and a musician with the assignment to "raise the voice with resounding joy" 
• Asaph's assignment grew to Chief Musician, prophetic worshiper in David's army, and seer
• Asaph's sons continued in his legacy 

(References: I Chronicles 15:16-19, I Chronicles 16:4-5,7, I Chronicles 25:1-2,6-7, and II Chronicles 29:30) 

Yet, the high calling and successful ministry did not make Asaph exempt from feeling weak, confused, going through trials, or questioning his life's choices!

In fact, Book 3 of The Psalms is considered...

Now, you all know that I love to declare, "Worship is my warfare!".

So in last night's online Bible study Zoom class, we unpacked the purpose and power behind a war song.

A war song is also known as a battle hymn or a warrior's cry. It is a call to arms.

Battle hymns have been used since Biblical times and through our recent era. I asked my husband, who is a history buff, about his thoughts regarding the intention behind war-time songs and military bands and we came up with the following 3 main purposes:

1. War songs raise morale and bolster the spirits of soldiers going into battle. The song reminds them of their purpose and reason for fighting.

2. War songs inspire, comfort, bring confidence, and unify the entire army. 

3. War songs are tactical & strategic. When everyone is marching to the same cadence (rhythmic flow of sounds), the army can advance quickly, effectively, and predictably. 

As it is in the natural, so shall it be in the spirit! 

King David had 288 worshipers i...

"Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved."

John 13:23

If you read the Gospel of John, you'll read on 5 occasions John referring to himself as "the one whom Jesus loved."

If you're like me, you're probably thinking, "John, what is your deal? He loves everyone, doesn't He?"

Well, God took me on a personal journey that brought some clarification to this question.

When I renewed my faith in God, He took me to a place of solitude. I wasn't working, I lost the relationship I was in, I wasn't hearing from friends or family, my mom ended up in ICU and eventually passed, and I was going to church, but no one was really talking to me.

No one knew what was happening in my life.

In hindsight, people tell me at that time that they tried talking to me or they just didn't know how to approach me because I looked so serious or stoic.

But I wasn't! See, God had put me in a cave for a reason.

At that time, I asked God, "What's the deal here? It's like I'...

Though situations arise that seem hopeless, overwhelming, oppressive, and fearful, the Psalms remind us that God is our hope in every circumstance.

What is hope?

In general, "Hope" can be defined as: 

• an optimistic state of mind,
• a feeling of expectation, and
• a desire for a certain outcome.

We might casually say, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow, because I’d like to take a walk.” But keep in mind, that kind of hope doesn’t come with any guarantees.

What is Biblical hope?

Biblical Hope is the strong and confident expectation that God *will fulfill* His promises over us.

The strength of our Biblical hope is in God’s faithfulness.

We can be confident in God’s promises because God has always been faithful.

So our hope is secure and steadfast, because we have no reason to believe that His faithfulness will end with us.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance."

Psalm 42...

While all Scripture is powerful and meaningful, there are quite a few psalms that truly stand out. 

Psalm 51 is definitely one of those.

There are 7 Songs of Confession in the Psalms: 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143.

These psalms all express deep sorrow for sin, 5 of the 7 written by David.

These songs of confession and repentance remind us that we were all born sinners and are in need of a Savior.

These psalms help us to recognize our sinfulness, express our sorrow, and ask for God’s forgiveness so we can be washed, purified, and renewed.

Psalm 51 also reminds us that if we are not careful, it is very easy for even a "Man after God's own heart" to get entangled with sin.

The enemy is always looking for ways to take us down, so we must stay on guard!

But we should also confidently know that if we humbly come back to the LORD with a broken and contrite spirit, God is so merciful to forgive and restore us.

With this week being Holy Week and as we take the time to remember and ...

On this Palm Sunday, I want to share with you the lyrics of this beautiful hymn, "All Glory, Laud and Honor" written by Theodulph of Orleans circa 820.

As you read through, meditate on these powerful words and vow to raise your melody and sweet hosanna!

All glory, laud and honor, to Thee, Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David's royal Son,
Who in the Lord's name comest, the King and Blessed One.

The company of angels are praising Thee on high,
And we with all creation in chorus make reply.

The people of the Hebrews with psalms before Thee went;
Our prayer and praise and anthems before Thee we present.

To Thee, before Thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee now high exalted, our melody we raise.

Thou didst accept their praises, accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King.

Isn't that beautiful?

Keep making a sound,

Sara-Marie

For the last several years, God has been speaking to me about building out a team to help support the many branches of the Soul of Worship Ministry.

I am very zealous for the things of the LORD and I have been praying for God to make it super clear who would unite with me on this mission to empower a generation to release a sound of authentic worship.

After many confirmations, here are the powerful women of God that have so graciously united with me to expand the ministry!

MEET THE NEW TEAM LEADERS

Janice Colon-Crespo, My right-hand woman, Administrative Support, Manager of Creative Merchandise, and Blog Contributor!

Belen Toledo, new Manager of the Spanish Branch of the Ministry, Alma de Adoración, and Official Translator!

They’ve already been working behind the scenes and we can’t wait to see what God is going to do with our YES!

This is only the beginning!

Moving forward in Jesus' Name,

Sara-Marie Puopolo

Founder

'Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”'

Genesis 18:11-14

What a question!

How easy it is to preach faith and speak faith to others but how hard it is to apply that same faith to our own lives?

When God speaks huge things over us we get think, "Surely that was not for me. I'm too old, too young, too broken."

We easily convince ourselves it is impossible.

How easy to believe in our own strength and what we cannot do and doubt what HE can do!

Sarah, an old barren woman, literally laughed when God spoke she would have a child. She laughed, and then later too...

I love to encourage you to MAKE A SOUND! (I think we all know that!)

But I would be wrong if I didn't also make it clear that stillness before the LORD is worship, too.

 

 

 

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Worshipful silence before the presence of God and in obedience to the Holy Spirit is a sign of humility, confident expectation, and submission to God's strategies.

Let's take a look at Jericho!

We often teach about Jericho to encourage the power of worship and praise since the walls came tumbling down after a holy shout from the people of Israel. (And this is still true!)

But before it was time for the shout, there was a lot of walking and waiting in confident silence.

“Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying, “You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, ‘Shout!’ Then you shall shout.”

Joshua 6:10

This was a ...

Finding those moments to have "quiet time" with the LORD can be so challenging at times.

And when you only have 15-20 minutes to yourself before another knock on the door comes, what do you do to make the most of your time?

Worship.
Pray.
Read the Word.
Repeat.

Why worship first?

Worship is the quickest way to encounter God.

Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits our praise.

Psalm 100:4 says to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

So when we come before Him with words of worship for simply who God is, we swing wide the door to meet with God.

And that's truly just the beginning of what a soul of worship can unlock in your life.

A soul of worship can draw you so close to God, transforming you into the disciple, spouse, parent, and friend you've always desired to be.

Truly.

If you'd like to learn more about the power of worship and praise, I created an online course with 12 easily digestible videos ranging from 15-30 minutes each that will take you through life...