Worship Instructions

Worship Instructions

Revelation 22: ⁸ I, John, have heard and seen all these things. And when I finished hearing and seeing them, I fell down at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things, and I was about to worship him. ⁹ But he said to me, “Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all those who obey the words in this book. Worship God!” ¹⁰ And he said to me, “Do not keep the prophetic words of this book a secret, because the time is near when all this will happen. ¹¹ Whoever is evil must go on doing evil, and whoever is filthy must go on being filthy; whoever is good must go on doing good, and whoever is holy must go on being holy.”

 

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“Who fixed this?” was the question posed to me as if I did something great! But, it wasn’t me who had done the deed that would receive accolades. “Don’t look at me” was my reply to direct the investigation somewhere else.

 

• I was kind of jealous that I was not going to receive accolades.
• I wanted to be “recognized” but was not worthy of recognition.
• I sought accolades more intentionally from that day on.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, admits to being overwhelmed by what he saw and heard. He wanted to place this overwhelmed feeling somewhere, so he decided to worship the angel who showed him the marvelous, prophetic things that no one else has ever seen. The angel responded very clearly. “Don’t do it!” and “Worship GOD!” He

 

My Observations:

• Humans want accolades and praise, BUT GOD deserves all of our praise!
• Humans try to make a name for themselves, BUT GOD’s name is the one who should be said daily!
• Humans say other humans names more than they  say JESUS, BUT HE is our Savior who should be mentioned with honor.

 

Getting praise where JESUS need to receive it is dangerous. I mean, we should not have false humility, however, we should recognize when JESUS should get the praise versus a human. There is a difference. I can wash dishes and maybe receive praise for it, BUT JESUS is the one who saves people from eternal separation from HIM.

 

GOD handles hearts, not me. HE fixes situations and provides the right resources at the right time. Even “my” talent should be credited to GOD. I also have to let go of people. “evil must go on doing evil.” I gladly give GOD all the praise and honor!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer spoke of himself?
• Have you ever wanted to receive accolades and praise?
• What steps will you take to intentionally surrender and follow what GOD wants you to do today?

Unfiltered Worship

Unfiltered Worship

Revelation 4: ⁹ The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. When they do so, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say,

 

¹¹ “Our Lord and God! You are worthy
    to receive glory, honor, and power.
For you created all things,
    and by your will they were given existence and life.”

 

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“Who are those people gathered in the field?” I asked one of the leaders on the missions trip. “They are people who worship GOD” was the response. They were all wearing white and did not have a building, seats or instruments. Later, we sat in a church. Many people, who had nothing, gathered to sing praise songs. They sang for hours!

 

• I looked at my watch to see when they would be done.
• I enjoyed the singing, but wanted it to be done so we could get on with it!
• I realized, after a while, that I was not really worshipping from my heart, but out of habit.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears wonderful songs about JESUS. These songs contained glory, honor and thanks for HIM causing the people who were very important to throw their crowns at HIS feet. They rejoiced and praised HIM for HIS power!

 

My Observations:

• JESUS Is worthy to be praised!
• Sometimes I want to hold back because I want to appear a certain way before humans.
• One day my worship will not be filtered with sin, problems or troubles!

 

Unfiltered worship can only take place in heaven. I mean, when all sin, worries and human structures are torn down, we can celebrate what JESUS has done! All problems will be solved and celebration will happen on a grand scale that lasts forever.

 

Will people get tired of praising JESUS? No! Our sinful minds cannot fathom true worship that lasts forever. We look at our watches and think of boredom if worship lasts longer than three songs. One day my worship for GOD will come out of sheer elation! I will not be embarrassed but filled with joy!

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe worship?
• Have you ever got so excited about something that you just wanted to shout with joy?
• Will you look beyond problems and praise GOD for what HE has done and is doing and will do in your life?

Make Up Our Own Minds

Make Up Our Own Minds

Romans 14: ⁵ Some people think that a certain day is more important than other days, while others think that all days are the same. We each should firmly make up our own minds. ⁶ Those who think highly of a certain day do so in honor of the Lord; those who will eat anything do so in honor of the Lord, because they give thanks to God for the food. Those who refuse to eat certain things do so in honor of the Lord, and they give thanks to God. 

 

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“No! It must be this way” one person said to me. Another said “It must be that way”, passionately. I was quite torn over the argument at the time. A group of people had very good arguments for how to dress when attending church.

 

• There were times when I thought “my” way of worshipping GOD was the only way.
• There were times when I thought the music I liked was the only music pleasing to GOD.
• There were times when I thought the decorations, lighting and chairs arranged a certain way were the only way to truly worship GOD.

 

Paul tries to warn people to stay away from petty arguments by dealing with a difficult subject, namely honoring GOD. Some people dedicate a certain day to honor GOD and some think all days should honor GOD. Both are right if they do so to give thanks to the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to have an individual relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to honor HIM by the things I eat and do.
• GOD wants me to give thanks to HIM by believing in JESUS.

 

Honoring GOD is a personal thing. I mean, I like to get up early, pray, exercise, grab a cup of coffee and read. Others like to finish their day singing to the LORD. Any praise that includes thanks for JESUS dying for our sins and being raised from the dead is acceptable to the FATHER. I am glad HE give me a personal relationship with HIM.

 

• Do you think the way your group worships is better than another group?
• Do you judge the way someone sings, dances, or speaks for the LORD?
• Can you learn to appreciate how others are giving thanks to JESUS so you can broaden your community?

A Place of Worship

1 Chronicles 2: ⁵ “The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. ⁶ But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?

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Three forty five in the morning, I finally closed my eyes.  I heard noisy clumps of feet in the kitchen then I heard a knock on my door. My mother was telling me to get up for church. “I don’t feel like going right now” I responded. “If you can stay out all night, you can get up for church” was her response.

“Why do I have to go to church anyway?” I grumbled.

• There have been times where I tried to leave GOD in the church building so I could do what I wanted to do.
• There have been times where I didn’t want to go to the building where GOD lived because I couldn’t do what I wanted to do.
• There have been times where I would leave the building where I thought GOD lived only to get back to doing what I wanted to do.

There was one flaw with my thinking. GOD is everywhere! I mean I had not only squeezed GOD into the tiny building we called a church, but there were even rooms where HE couldn’t possibly be in. I mean GOD couldn’t be in the bathrooms, only in the sanctuary and classrooms was my flawed thinking.

• GOD is everywhere and church buildings are a gathering place for flawed people.
• GOD is all seeing so every place I think HE is not, HE is.
• GOD is all knowing so HE is even in my thoughts and desires even when they are not following HIS ways.

GOD cannot be contained or left at a building. When I go to “church” I am not going to see GOD, rather I am going to see a group of sinners rescued by GOD. I am there to hear how GOD transforms lives and tell people how HE has done the same in my life.

During the week I can meet with others to pray and talk. This is also “church.” And when I’m by myself I can bow my knees and praise GOD as an act of worship. GOD cannot be contained.

• Do you think the “church” building is more sacred than your house?
• Do you believe there is a place on earth more sacred than another?
• Can you stop trying to contain GOD within certain things and see HIM everywhere?
• Do you believe HE owns everything?
• Won’t you stop crying for more and seek open eyes to HIM? 

What thing do I put before GOD?

Exodus 20: ⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, ⁶ but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

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Polishing was always my final step when washing my car.  After two hours of brushing, scrubbing and vacuuming, my mechanical beast was road ready. I entered the grounds of my consulting assignment and it was as grimy as it gets. Steel manufacturing and clean cars don’t mix.

As I sat at a stop sign trying to figure out where to go a truck hit my car! When they repaired it the door was never the same. It even rusted at the bottom. My car had lost its luster.

• I have placed cars on a pedestal when I have more concern over it than people.
• I have placed houses on a pedestal when I grow my debt to the point where I can’t help people.
• I have placed gadgets on a pedestal when I need to have the latest and greatest versus helping people.

I don’t really “bow down” to things but I sure do worship them.  I know this sounds old but I was so excited to finally have a “bag phone” that I drove around catching glimpses of people as I was on the phone. I guess this stuff provides status and elevates me to the “Ooo Ah” category amongst my peers.

• GOD knows HE can easily destroy my material things so I shouldn’t put too much trust in them.
• GOD knows material items will quickly go to my head and drives lust for other items.
• GOD knows the more items I get the less I will communicate with HIM.

Please don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to own things but my problem is sometimes the things own me.  I fight hard to keep them and lay awake trying to protect them.  GOD wants this kind of attention.  HE would love a deep conversation or two hours of special detailing. HE enjoys times of just talking instead of request after request. HE wants a relationship!

• Do you have a relationship with GOD?
• Are you worried about your stuff?
• Can GOD take away your stuff and you would be alright with it?
• Can you take care of your stuff because GOD gave it to you instead of the status you get?
• Will you use your stuff for GOD’s purpose?

Am I too familiar with GOD?

Exodus 19: ²⁰ The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up ²¹ and the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. ²² Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.”

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Something woke me up so I decided to go to church this particular Sunday.  I was helping the teens because the teacher was “boring” but I had gone out the night before and only had a few hours of sleep. Sitting in class I found my mind drifting to many other places. When the teacher asked me a question I had no response.

Later that morning I found it impossible to keep my eyes open as the preacher seemed to take forever.  “When will I get out of this place?” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I find myself going through the motions with GOD.
• Sometimes I treat GOD like a habit.
• Sometimes I want to be done with worshipping and get on with whatever I was doing.

I sometimes forget that GOD is GOD and not a pal or a boss. I treat HIM any old way and HE becomes my last thought or last resort. I dust HIM off when I get in trouble then put HIM away for safe keeping when I need HIM again. I don’t prepare myself to hear HIS message because worshipping is on my checklist and is viewed as something to get done.

• GOD says “wash my clothes” and prepare myself to meet HIM.
• GOD says “consecrate myself” getting myself in the correct mindset for HIM.
• GOD says “be ready” which means HE comes first and work or social comes second.

It’s easy to treat GOD as a habit instead of a being to be worshipped. It’s almost like saying “Yeah, yeah” to HIM and then doing my own thing. When HE makes life difficult for me then I try to use the argument “but I went to church, why aren’t you punishing those who are criminals?”

GOD wants me to treat HIM as GOD who is supreme, final and most powerful. HE can’t stand sin so HE allowed HIS SON to pay the price that I should have paid. HE doesn’t want me to take this gift lightly!

• How are you treating GOD?
• Do you view HIM as a pushover who only forgives or can you see HE also has supreme judgment?
• Do you fear the LORD?

Blessed because of somebody else

Genesis 30: ²⁷ But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” 

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My friends’ living room became a second home for me. They always had good food and some fun games! Looking back I bet they wondered if I had a home of my own!  As their parents dished out advice to their sons I would listen and grumble just like my friends. Little did I know their sage advice would benefit me to this day.

• Being around the right people helps me grow.
• Being around the right people keeps me from falling.
• Being around the right people puts me on the right path.

I love praying for something and getting my prayer answered by GOD but sometimes I am blessed indirectly. Just being in the presence of someone else who is blessed helps me tremendously. Unfortunately when trouble comes my way I try to isolate myself thinking I need to fix my own problems.

GOD wants me to gather with others so I can be blessed.

• Are you isolated and feeling alone?
• Do you feel punished?
• Can you get out of your hole and go find some blessed people to be around?
• Can you “be” the blessed person someone needs to be around?

Desire to be admired

Revelation 19: ⁹ Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

¹⁰ At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

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Walking down the hall headed to my next meeting I had a trail of people asking me questions. In my mind I had arrived. When I left the company I no longer had anyone asking me questions. In fact people were looking at me like I was a problem. I really desired to have people seeking my advice. Then I thought “maybe if I become a title then people will admire me again.”

• Many times I do things to point at me.
• Many times I do things to get noticed.
• Many times I do things to grab all the attention.

It feels good to be admired or sought after but it shouldn’t go to my head. I mean I should focus my attention on getting people to the “right place.”

• JESUS is the being I need to point people to.
• JESUS is the answer to other peoples’ problems.
• JESUS is the only being who deserves to be idolized and worshipped.

Great humans come and go. People I admire fall to sin just like the next person. JESUS never sinned, yet took my punishment. Now that’s a person to admire!

• Do you desire attention?
• Are you constantly having people focus on you rather than on GOD?
• Do you develop causes to keep people focused on you or your crowd?
• Can you give up some of the attention and let GOD do HIS thing?

Keep your mind on GOD as much as possible

1 Corinthians 7: ³² I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs —how he can please the Lord. ³³ But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— ³⁴ and his interests are divided.

An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.

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Sitting in church my mind wandered thinking about the laundry list of things I had to do that week. Something around the house needed repair, banking needed to be done, and the large project I was working on required attention. As I tuned back in the singer was singing something about GOD or something then my mind went back to my list. It was hard to focus that day.

• The worlds list seems to distract me.
• The worlds list seems to get longer and longer each day and there is always something for me to do.
• The worlds list seems to add pressure for me to achieve rather than serve.

I don’t believe Paul was against marriage rather he was “for” following CHRIST as much as possible.  He realized that GOD is the most important being in our lives and that’s where I should spend the bulk of my time. Marriage is great but it comes with distractions away from GOD.

• I should spend as much time with the LORD as I possibly can.
• I should see time is short and my contribution to the world should be on growing GOD’s kingdom.
• I should make time for my family after I have made time for the LORD.

As much time as I can spend without worrying about life I should be thinking about GOD. I know it’s difficult not to let life get in the way BUT GOD has called me to talk to HIM, serve HIM, laugh with HIM and be with HIM daily.

• Are you distracted away from GOD?
• Can you remove your distractions for a moment and pay attention to what GOD is saying to you?
• Will you take time to just “be” with GOD today?

Too busy for GOD

Romans 12: ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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Peering at my watch, I only had minutes to catch the next plane. I knew I would make it as I had become a business airport sprinter. I passed hundreds of people not seeing one of them. As I sat on the plane I slept until they announced it was alright to turn on electronics.

I broke out my laptop and began working, never seeing the people next to me. All I knew is I was on my way to “that” promotion. Months later I was passed over for the promotion. I wondered why GOD wasn’t speaking to me!

• Ignoring people is like ignoring GOD.
• Ignoring people makes me just like “the world.”
• Ignoring people creates selfishness in me that blocks me from hearing GOD’s will.

Many times I have heard preachers tell me this scripture is about sex and they are absolutely correct but there is more to it. When my body is in close proximity to another body something special is supposed to happen.  I am supposed to listen to orders from the HOLY SPIRIT to see what I am supposed to do.

• Instead of conforming to the world I should listen to GOD and treat people differently.
• Instead of conforming to the world I should sacrifice some “me” time and please GOD.
• Instead of conforming to the world I should pay attention to the mercy GOD has shown me and show mercy to others.

Rejection will come with the territory.  I mean when I try to speak to “that” person about GOD’s mercy, they may not accept what I’m saying right then and there.  I should listen to GOD every step of the way to determine if my actions, tone or demeanor is getting in the way of this person hearing GOD’s message of mercy.  I should be a living sacrifice to GOD.

• Are you having a difficult time hearing GOD?
• Are you too busy to hear HIM?
• Have you taken a moment to ask HIM what HE wants to do for your life?
• Have you given up on GOD?
• Can you sacrifice some of your busy time to focus on GOD today?

How do I sell my soul?

Acts 19: ²⁴ A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. ²⁵ He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business.

²⁶ And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.

²⁷ There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

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Looking back I see how hard I worked to have a “good life.” Once I worked in vain thirty six hours straight on a proposal for a company who did not land the project. Why did I put myself through all that torture? Was it cash or a title or both? All I know is I didn’t see my family nor did I eat right and most of all I did not talk to GOD one minute.

• When I am too busy for GOD then my work is a god.
• When I am driving for something without GOD my drive is worthless.
• When I am motivated for cash instead of living for GOD then my motives will turn evil quickly.

I have lied for cash, stolen cash, and slandered for cash. Okay, most of what I did would be considered mild comparatively BUT GOD doesn’t compare me to another person; HE compares me to HIS SON when checking for perfection. HE quickly sees my flaws and it infuriates HIM when I put other things in front of HIM.

• GOD demands HE should be first in my life above any job or amount of cash.
• GOD wants me to actually love being with HIM rather than feeling obligated and resentful.
• GOD directs me to never ever consider another god to be greater than HIM!

It’s a huge mistake to think a human, or a piece of metal or a fortune or a celestial fragment could be more powerful than GOD HIMSELF. Anything that gets in the way of GOD can and will be torn down so my focus needs to be on HIM as best I can.

• What are you most concerned about in life right now?
• Are you putting a sinful lifestyle before GOD?
• Do you truly think that getting more of what you are seeking will satisfy you?
• Can you reduce your pursuit of earthly happiness and increase your pursuit of eternal bliss?
• Do you realize wealth is fine but if it is all you pursue then it is a god?

Stop making GOD a religion!

Acts 15: ¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ¹¹ No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

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Appreciation for worshipping in a different style was an acquired taste. I was a self-appointed church critic who gave many reasons why I didn’t attend churches. “This one was too loud” while “that one was too quiet” and “those people were too dressed up” and “those people were not dressed up enough” or “their music just isn’t my music.”

My list had grown quite long. I wonder if I can find a church who can meet my “high” standards!

• My false expectation of what church should be gets in the way of hearing GOD.
• My false expectation of how GOD should act takes my eyes off of what HE is doing around me.
• My false expectation of who should be in “church” makes me seek “comfort” instead of seeking “GOD’s kingdom.”

Rules without grace do not equal a relationship with GOD. Whether it’s a dunk tank versus the ocean it’s still baptism. Whether its rock or rap it’s still singing. The “church” is not a building rather it is a group of broken people gathered together to prepare ourselves for JESUS.

• I need to listen to what GOD is saying instead of criticizing the preacher.
• I need to understand that GOD will deal with preachers who preach falsely so it’s not my job to be a critic.
• I need to treat the gathering of broken people to turn our sins over to GOD as a very sacred time that GOD cherishes.

GOD is much more powerful than my rules; in fact HE doesn’t “need” my teaching, money or prayers. HE gets excited when I willingly gather with people who don’t look the same or act the same but we all are there for the same purpose namely to praise our LORD and SAVIOR who is JESUS.

• Do you have expectations of what “church” should be?
• Are you seeking GOD or are you looking for a club to belong to?
• Can you drop your expectations on how you should “hear” GOD and just listen to HIM?

How committed am I?

Acts 14:  ¹⁹ Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

The Return to Antioch in Syria

 ²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

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Being part of “the club” was an aspiration of mine. After a number of golf lessons I was actually accepted but only on the perimeter of “the club.” I overheard a conversation talking about the body parts of specific coworkers. “Should I join in and compromise the values I stood for?” “Sure” I quickly thought to myself. I was finally in “the club” but at what cost?

• One reason living for GOD is so tough is because I want my sinful way.
• Another reason living for GOD is so difficult is because I want the things GOD doesn’t want me to have.
• Yet another reason living for GOD is so hard is because I don’t want to be uncomfortable or mistreated because I am associated with HIM.

“The Club” represented wealth, great food, and incredible vacations at exotic locations. What it did not have in it was faith, purity, and love. These strange things meant I had to actually give up being in “the club” in order to live for GOD.

I actually tried using faith, purity and love in “the club” and noticed I was placed back on the perimeter and finally I was out of “the club.” The more committed to GOD I became the more “the club” opposed me. I wasn’t even trying to convert them or even win them over nor did I judge their actions. After a while “the club” viewed my kindness as weakness and they hurled stones at me.

Thank GOD for rescuing me out of the club because now I can speak about HIM without worrying about what others think of me.

• Are you trying to be in “the club?”
• Are you following behind others who are not committed to CHRIST?
• Are you actively seeking GOD and things are getting harder for you?
• Won’t you “hang in there” even if life gets more difficult?

How can I hear GOD?

Acts 13: ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

 

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“Man, the women are going to be premium!” a coworker said to me. I had never been to a strip club before so I said “sure, why not?” It had been years since I went to church and I was fresh out of college. Then I heard “that” voice say to me “Don’t go in there.”

 

Of course I quickly ignored the voice because I didn’t want to look like a punk and I wanted to see what I was going to see. After seeing the sad scene of married men ogling over women who really seemed miserable I heard “that” voice again. “Leave and don’t come back.” Okay, this time I better listen.

• GOD speaks to me all the time I just refuse to listen.
• GOD speaks to me all the time I simply ignore HIM to get my way.
• GOD speaks to me all the time I just don’t want to hear what HE has to say.

When the HOLY SPIRIT was placed inside me because I believed JESUS took my punishment in my stead, I now had a leader who speaks softly but firmly. The HOLY SPIRIT tells me exactly what to do and what not to do. All I need to do is listen.

• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I show grace when it’s clearly the other person’s fault.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I pray for the person who doesn’t deserve prayer.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I step away from the sin I am about to commit.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I serve people out of love not obligation.

Fasting doesn’t make me any holier than anyone else only hungrier, but when I fast, my hunger reminds me to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT. Prayer doesn’t change GOD’s mind, but when I pray I can hear the HOLY SPIRIT calming me down and taking charge of the situation. Praising GOD doesn’t take my problems away, but when I praise HIM, the HOLY SPIRIT clears my thoughts to face each problem head on!

 

The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me that GOD is so much more powerful than any person, any situation or any sin I have committed. HE is my guide to whom I need to seek and listen to.

• Can you hear GOD?
• What is HE saying to you?
• Have you tuned HIM out to get your way?
• Do you believe HE can use your broken body for some marvelous works?
• What are you doing to “seek” GOD today?

Do GOD’s words cut you?

Acts 2: ³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

 ³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

 ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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“Church is useless” I exclaimed as I stormed out of yet another place I had condemned in my mind. I mean it seems like these places are full of hypocrites. “The preachers are only after women and money, the women are only there to marry somebody and the guys only want titles! I’m out of here!” I exclaimed to myself.

“I’m not going to church anymore.” I guess I had dreamt up some great excuses for not going to church, or did I?

• I am mistaken when I think church is a “place to go” rather than a group of broken people.
• I am mistaken when I think church is a “thing to do” rather than a service to GOD.
• I am mistaken when I think church is a “time slot to serve me” rather than a gathering of servants with prepared hearts to worship GOD.

It’s easy to say something is wrong with “this” church or “that” church but it’s harder to say there is something wrong with me. I sought after places I could feel comfortable hiding my sins while looking polished and professional on the outside. GOD wanted me in a different “place.”

• GOD wants me to worship HIM by admitting my sins to HIM “and” HIS people.
• GOD wants me to seek opportunities to serve HIS people rather than always looking to be served.
• GOD wants me to voluntarily open myself up to be vulnerable as an act of trusting HIM rather than guarding my life and protecting my security.

Getting “cut to the heart” actually hurts. GOD’s messages sink deep into my soul and I am moved to serve HIS people the way HE wants me to serve them.  HE wants me to have compassion for those who hate me, restraint from those who tempt me, empathy for those in need and love for those who sin like me.

HIS message of kindness, patience, persistence and peace resonate in my heart and I feel excited to be around GOD’s humans, seeking those whom I can serve. I’m still selfish, BUT GOD has at least opened my eyes to realize I am gathering with other selfish people to serve HIM.

• Are you looking at what “church” can do for you or how you can serve GOD?
• Do you look at the gathering of people at “work” as opportunity to be in “church?”
• Can you realize the gathering of two people in agreement with the ways of CHRIST “is” a gathering of the “church?”

Put my mind on something worthwhile

John 5: ²¹ For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. ²² Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, ²³ that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

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Phone call after phone call drove my frustration higher and higher. I sent e-mails and did, what I thought, were the right things to do but they would not respond. This elite group seemed to shun my very existence. Here we go again, not fitting in!

“Forget them, I don’t need them anyway!” I thought to myself. But why don’t they want me?

• I have been turned down by employers and have gotten disappointed.
• I have been turned down by groups and felt rejected.
• I have been turned down by a person I asked for a simple dance and felt insulted.

Nothing was wrong with the things I sought after, so at least I thought. GOD has a strange, yet supreme way of keeping me out of the things that would move me off HIS course. What is HIS plan?

• GOD the FATHER wants me to focus on GOD the SON who gives me life.
• GOD the FATHER wants me to focus on GOD the SON who one day will judge all of my actions.
• GOD the FATHER wants me to focus on GOD the SON who deserves equal honor that I give to the FATHER.

Many ideas, plans and desires pop into my head that distract me from focusing on what is truly valuable. GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT should remain paramount in my mind at all times. Yes it feels great to be part of “that” group and to achieve goals. Believe me I have been “in the club” many times and received numerous awards.

But just as much as I have been “in” I have been “out.” It’s like chasing rainbows after a while. GOD excuses my distractions but loves when I focus on the one true prize namely “THE SON.” The more I put my mind on HIM the better off I am.

• What are you distracted by?
• Is your life too busy for GOD?
• Have you said “I will worship HIM after things get better?”
• Can you begin worshipping HIM right now in the middle of the storm?
• Won’t you practice being generous while you are poor so you will give more when you are rich?

Take time to go “fast.”

Matthew 6: ¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

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“Will I pass out?” “How will I make it an entire day without food or liquid?” “What is the purpose of fasting anyway?” These were the questions that ran through my mind the first time I actually “heard” about fasting. Mind you I had been told about fasting for years, but I never “heard” it for myself.

Giving up food and liquids seemed a bit harsh. Doesn’t the body need these things to remain alive? Will fasting make me holier? I was confused.

• Fear made me question fasting so I tried to downplay its purpose.
• Fear intensified my doubt that fasting is necessary for worshipping GOD.
• Fear kept me away from another block of time I could have spent with GOD.

Fasting doesn’t make me special or holier or supernatural from what I have read. When I take time to give up food for a day, my body tells me to spend time with GOD in prayer. My stomach growls and the smells of food seem to be everywhere. When these moments hit I pray.

• Fasting lets me know the “body” GOD created is so much more than a food to energy converter.
• Fasting reminds me that I need GOD as much as I need food.
• Fasting gives me a moment to slow down my busy life and spend time with GOD.

GOD wants me to focus on HIS heavenly kingdom and nothing should be as important as this, not money, jobs or even food. HE wants me to have control over my self-indulgent life for just a little while and trust HE will take care of me. HE wants me to have a secret time with HIM and HIM alone.

• Have you tried to fast?
• What are you afraid of?
• Can you ease into it by missing a meal then two then three?
• What will you pray for during this time?
• Can you do this as an act of worshipping GOD and not to get something?

Unity is an act of worship that is usually overlooked

John 17:20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

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I have gone to churches seeking "the truth" and have found some very interesting things. There have been people desiring power, titles, money and to fulfill their lusts. On the other hand I have found some dedicated, humble, excited, prayerful people who care for others each day.

How in the world did we end up with so many denominations, clicks and sects? When I read this passage I realized that it is because "unity" is not sought very often. I love to be right, ask my family. BUT GOD wants me to have unity with them.

Can't I be right and have unity? Well sometimes, but other times when I am "right" and want to be heard, it doesn't show the grace and mercy that I am supposed to. Instead of looking for resolution, I seek reparation. I want the other person or people to say "I am right!"

Why do I do this? I guess it's pride or insecurity. GOD wants us to have unity for the purpose of pointing people to HIM. HE is saying that if the world saw how well we treat each other, then maybe they would want some of that.

So I checked my "unity" meter and I found it to be low but getting better. Ask my family that too.

• Unity doesn't get irritated easily.
• Unity likes differences.
• Unity doesn't write a person off easily.
• Unity keeps trying to resolve.
• Unity doesn't have to be right all the time.
• Unity accepts correction.

JESUS prayed an amazing prayer in this chapter. HE prayed for HIMSELF, then HIS disciples, then those who believed in the words they preached. In every case HE mentions being one with each other just as HE is one with the FATHER.

The world is getting more and more selfish. Selfishness in marriage is at an all time high. Selfish churches drive people away. My selfishness doesn't make it any better.

GOD delivers people for me to minister to. I know I can't reach everyone in the world, but HE has some special people I can reach. With that small group of people I am supposed to act with unity. This will draw more and more people to the true light which is CHRIST HIMSELF.

• Unity takes grace.
• Unity takes patience.
• Unity takes practice.
• Unity takes care.
• Unity takes peace.
• Unity takes forgiveness.

I didn't know until now that GOD is asking me to have a full dose of unity. The world will not understand and maybe even laugh at my efforts, but this is my act of worship.

• Are you arguing to "win and be right" or to reconcile?
• Are you trying to get your way?
• Is your way GOD's way?
• Can you unify as an act of worship today?