Worship Groupie

Psalms 95:1 - O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

A JOYFUL noise. Well I'm here to tell you my singing probably isn't very joyful to a lot of peoples ears. And when I belt out a song I know ALL of the words to...watch out because the next American Idol is singing! There are just some songs that hit my soul hard and I just can't help but to lift my hands in adoration and praise, the love I have for the Lord spills over and down my cheeks. It always take me a few seconds to collect myself after the songs ends. Maybe I need to grab some waterproof mascara next time I'm at the store.

And of course I sing to my hearts content while I'm in the car. Who doesn't? I crank up the christian radio station and sing loud & proud. So if you see me out driving and I'm singing like no one is around just know that God is enjoying my off tune show of worship, my passengers on the other hand may or may not be enjoying it and may be only slightly embarrassed. Though the kiddos are use to my off key and wrong worded singing and have gotten over (worked through) the embarrassment issue. One of the kids use to belt out the song, "God is on the roof", instead of "God is on the move". But God doesn't care! He loves that she was worshiping Him, wrong words and all!

WORSHIP STARTS IN THE HEART

Many years ago, during my turbulent teenage years, when I would attend church and it was time to sing, my worship was stone cold. Fake. My heart was empty & soul hardened by the worldly path I was on. My life back then was all about me me me. My acts of worship revolved around me or were entirely non existent. I was a mess. You cannot have meaningful devotion with a life that's void of God. God doesn't want a phony daughter/son who "plays" a Christ follower. He wants someone that is all in! Someone that desires Him and sees worshiping Him as a necessity.

True authentic worship comes from a soul that is deeply rooted in obedience to Christ. A spirit firmly connected to the truth of His word. John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. A heart that truly longs for an intimacy with the Creator of the universe. Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

By celebrating His goodness our attention is turned towards Him and away from ourselves. It shifts our focus from us & our worries to the glorious Way Maker & His love. No more of the me me me mentality. With everything He has done for me in my own life and the miraculous things I have seen Him do in others lives, there's nothing more I WANT to do than shout out thanksgiving! To show Him honor & respect. For He is worthy of our praise!

Revelation 5:12 - Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

ACTS OF WORSHIP

I'm siiiinging! I'm in a church and I'm singiiinnnggg!

Singing (in church, in your car, or anywhere for that matter) is not the only way to worship. Putting God first in all things should be the #1 way to show your devotion. Worshiping affects the way we live our lives and is expressed in our daily activities.

Wiping that snotty nose for the upteenth time in 10 minutes. Scrubbing bathrooms. Driving that forklift for 12 hours. Working elbow to elbow with that co worker who complains about anything and everything day after day. In all of these things we can worship God. Being thankful we have that snotty nosed child, that you have a home with running water, for the knowledge on how to drive a forklift (I definitely do not posses that skill.). Praising Him that He has given you the opportunity to be a LIGHT to your co- worker (even if it is difficult). ALL of these things can be acts of worship, it all depends on how you see them.

Hebrews 6:10 - For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name,

Serving others by giving your time (which is precious) and talents. Do things for others. Help without someone asking. Do something for someone just to be nice (even better when they have no idea who has done it.) Volunteer your God given talent of writing, or your innate artistic ability, craftiness, mastery in carpentry, or your OCD organizational skills (totally me). Babysit your neighbors kids so the adults can have a date night, visit nursing homes, start a food/diaper drive for your local shelter. Have a weekly Bible study with teenage girls from your church. Do these things with a cheerful heart, not begrudgingly. It's not suppose to feel like a chore.

Proverbs 3:27 - Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do.

Being the hands & feet of Jesus IS an act of worship.

Read and study the Bible. Grow closer. Strengthen your bond with Him. Memorize scripture so you can apply them to your life. Learn about WHO God is. Read about the love story starring JESUS & YOU.