Blessings
Stepping into this week is surreal coming out of two weeks of loved ones who have
gone on into eternity: Memorials for Mary Paschke, Kataleya Lynn Carr & Butch
Faulkner and Considering the great loss and coping of Spring Valley Baptist Church in
Texas, has caused me to reflect on the hope that we have in Christ and reassessing our
perspective on life. For me, my worship is not determined by my circumstances. I am
resolved that God is good and His faithfulness exceeds my understanding. I choose to
worship Him simply because He is Worthy! What is “Worship” to you? Whether you
believe in a God or not you were created and wired to worship something. Our Atheistic
society has so turned to the religion of knowledge and politics. We live in interesting
times when the world who claims there is no God becomes more religious than those in
the church today!
As I reflect on worship in my own life, I would like to present you with four simple
questions to encourage you in your lifestyle of Worship:
1.What time is it?
Jesus gives us a picture of the urgency of the times we live in. The greatest testimony
we have to the world around us in not in our ability to preach but our intimate
relationship with the Father and the spiritual fruit that brings in our lives. Our
perspective and world view sets us apart from everything else in society. In spite of
the fact we live in a society that doesn’t consider themselves to be be interested in
God, we live among the most spiritual hungry people in history. The fields are ripe
and we are the spark to ignite tremendous fire to this generation. Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. John 4:35
2.What’s in my heart?
Jesus said: I have come to set you free and He who the Son sets free is free indeed -
John 8. The more free our hearts are the more liberty we have to worship Him in spirit
and truth - John 4. The more purified and free our hearts become the more valuable we
become to Him and those around us. The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3
3. What is in my mind?
What we believe about God impacts what we believe about others and ultimately
what we believe about ourselves. It is in our worship that we move into a personal
level of encounter and discovery of who He is and what He has called us to. It is the
difference between knowing about Him and knowing Him for ourselves. Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” John 18:33–34
4. What in my hand?
We worship Him in everything we do. Our worship extends to our giftings, talents and
resources. Our work and hobbies can be considered as being done unto Him. God
wants all of us and desires to be involved in every aspect of who we are and what we do. There is simply what we can do and then there is what we can do through
Him. Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
Exodus 4:2
Don’t let the things of this week distract you from tasting of His goodness and
abounding in His grace. He is closer than you think; patiently waiting for you to give
Him priority in your life. He is worthy of all our focus and worship. True Worship in spirit
and truth empowers us to live generously, joyfully, compassionately and favorably with
those around us whether in need or just next door. God bless!
Sincerely,
Pastor Eric
