Hello to you, each one of my friends.
We live in a "generic" world today. In my case, and maybe it is true with you, the brand name prescription drug has been substituted with a "generic" replacement. I've been told that it is the same as the original and just as good, just cheaper. O.K . . . I can live with that kind of deal.
But on a far more serious subject, some of us have settled for a generic kind of worship. It still is something we do; it might even make us feel better; but it is not authentic. Yes, a generic worship is cheaper and does not cost us as much; but overall, it is not the real thing.
In this week's Psalms of Discipleship, we are going to explore the depths of an authentic face-to-face worship of God and what that may look like for the quality disciple of Jesus.
May we all grow in our worship of the King.
Pressing on with you,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #19
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face. Psalm 11:7
Core Value: Worship
Do we have a proper understanding of what it really means to worship God? Is our worship based upon our feelings and surrounding ambiance or is it much deeper than what is on the surface? There are far too many professing Christians who struggle with what it means to worship God. In his book “Growing True Disciples” George Barna says,
“For most people, worship implies attending a church service that includes music and preaching. An underlying issue that must ultimately be resolved is that widespread ignorance among born-again adults regarding the meaning of worship. When we asked people to describe the meaning of worship, 42 percent of all adult believers were unable to provide a substantive or reasonable reply. Among the believers who gave a substantive answer, many gave answers like ‘attending church’ or listening to the sermon.’ In total, 58 percent gave us a reasonable response. . . . Few individuals deny the importance of worship, but relatively few understand what it means or have a passion to engage God through worship.” Pg. 59
I believe the Scriptures teach us that worship is a sacrifice and all about God and His glory.
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1 (NASB95)
Principle #19 & Personal Application: The quality disciple has a high and exalted view of Almighty God.
• Biblical worship has its focus upon the character of God—He is righteous
• Biblical worship has its focus upon the pleasure of God—He loves righteousness
• Biblical worship has its focus upon the face of God—He desires worship that is personal and intentional
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
In what way does the righteousness of God impact how I live my life?
According to the teaching of Scripture, what makes me “upright” in the Lord’s eyes?
What does it look like when I behold His face? What am I seeing and experiencing?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Righteous One! There is no One like You. Your very nature is one of righteousness. You love it; You demonstrate it; You challenge me to love it too. The longer I gaze at Your face, the more I become like You. May I live in such a way that my character is impacted by Your righteousness, that I would come to love Your righteousness, and that I would seek Your face continually as I worship You.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2010 All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment