Yesterday in church, Ebenezer Baptist in Hampton, VA, Pastor Dean faciliated an awesome service focused on worship!
Most of us can be labeled a “guru” when it comes to Thanking God for things (jobs, homes, good health, good children, cars, relationships, etc.). We are also “experts” at calling on him in times of trouble (sickness, unemployment, obligations that we can meet, broken relationships, etc)
But how many of us are consistent and adept with our Worship? With simply spending time to acknowledge God for who is.
Pastor discussed how each of our lives can serve as “worship” to our Lord. I received the message in the following manner:
If we live a life that is pleasing to God; right living, love for all people, exempt from hatred, avoiding wrong behavior and conduct that does not result in anything positive occurring, non judgemental, treating people the way we want to be treated…..these are forms of worship.
Actions such as this don’t exempt us from building a relationship with God by reading/studying his word, praying, fasting and serving others; but a strong message is sent to God about how we feel about him.
Worship also pulls us away from the “it’s about me and mine” focus. It is totally aimed at acknowledging his existence and his goodness. We’re not thinking about ourselves, our needs, our obligations or others; we are recognizing the Lord for who is, our creator and our redeemer. Physical worship can be shown through song, exaltation, bowing down, and dance. It is an active praise to God. It reminds us of who’s we are and how much he loves us. It can provide a sense of cleansing at times, by pouring out gratitude we move away from fear and frustration. It can provide strength and renewed energy to run this race.
Prayer, Fasting, Serving, Studying the Word of God and Worship should not operate independently. If we want to assure that we are effectively impacting God’s kindgom and reaching our full potential, we need all of this to be equipped. Don’t forget the worship.
Truth is:
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; 1 Chronicles 16:28
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! Psalm 95:6
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:23-24
