"Personal Worship"

Recently, Rory Noland author of “Worship On Earth As It Is In Heaven” has challenged me to examine my “private” or “personal” time of worship with God. In order for us to be strong worshipers, corporately, we must first be strong in our “private” or “personal” worship.

The Bible tells us that David was a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) He was a Sheppard boy, musician, warrior, king, husband, and father. David is a great example of a worshiper; he not only was strong in his personal worship, but strong and very expressive in corporate worship (Psalm 26:6-7). From alone time in pastures and caves, to leading the procession of the Ark of the Covenant, to his times of obedience to God. Even in times of great regret, David worshiped the Lord (Psalm 51:1-2). David, much like you and I, was flawed due to fall of man in the garden. David struggled with sexual sin, committed murder, and he wasn’t exactly “Father of the Year” (1 Sam 13:21 & 14:24). But through all of his shortcomings, he still continually worshiped the Lord. David demonstrated his faith steadfastly on a daily basis, which pleased the Lord. Another important character trait that David exhibited was that he had the attitude of gratitude and was very thankful for his life and all God had given him.

Lets challenge each other to not be consumed by what the world offers.  Rather be consumed by God’s richness, worshiping the Father “privately”. Getting alone with God and seeking out the intimate time of worship that God desires us to have with him and what our spirit and soul long for. Then we can corporately come together and worship God in spirit and truth for the all world to see and hear.

Seeing Things From God’s Point Of View

A. 1 Corinthians 2:11-16

 1. The natural, or nonspiritual, man/woman: is not able to understand God and his ways, but instead relies on human reasoning or emotions.  For they do not have the Holy Spirit indwelling them (1 Co 2:14-16).   

2. The spiritual man/woman: is spiritually minded, thinks the thoughts of God (1 Co 2:11-13) and lives by the spirit of God.  For they have the Holy Spirit indwelling them.

Through salvation in Christ, the Holy Spirit imparts a new nature by an infusion of divine life (Regeneration), born again. 

Hebrews 5:11-14

“About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

This verse encourages us not to be complacent in our walk with Christ.  We are to grow & mature.  Those who are weak and immature in the faith lack spiritual discernment concerning what is good and what is evil in this life, what honors God and what dishonors God.  If we are living on milk we are not growing toward the full stature of Christ.  But by strengthening our relationship in Christ, continuing the practice of righteousness and obedience, we are able to start eating the solid food of God’s word and grow toward the full stature of Christ.  And in return we are then enabled by the Holy Spirit to see things from God’s point of view.  Let us not live as children but grow up and be strong God discerning people.

Closing:

There are so many things in our lives that dishonor God and hold us back from maturing in Christ.  Our child side does not want to let go of these things.  So lets throw out the tinker toys and grow up.

Armor of God Vs. Forces of Evil

Ephesians 6:10-18

 
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Last Sunday before church, the ministry teams gathered for prayer.  However, the focus on God seemed to be diluted by the distractions of life. It seemed we were more going through the motions than genuinely coming before God.  Christians face spiritual battles with Satan and a host of evil spirits every day.  The forces of evil energize the ungodly things in our life and oppose God’s will.  “The Sword of the Spirit” (God’s Word) is our offensive weapon in spiritual warfare.  Not only does God give us a sword, He gives us the power of praying in the Spirit, the belt of truth, shield of faith and the helmet of salvation.  After recognizing that there was a spiritual battle we were facing, we stopped the insincerity of our prayer.  And got on our knees.  Not just saying the words, but whole-heartedly praying hard in the spirit, using the word of God to conquer Satan’s attempt to distract and discourage.  I feel that the focus on God was restored and burdens were lifted.  What an awesome privilege to come and gather together before God and worship Him in spirit and in truth.

This is a reality that all Christians face.  In sharing this, I hope, that it will be a blessing to you.  Keep on praying, sharp in the Spirit.

Worship set this week.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

But he said to me,"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

1. Your Grace Is Enough
2. Wholly Yours
3. 'Til I See You
4. Forevermore
Communion Song
How Deep The Fathers Love For Us
Closing Song
Kingdom Come

Surrender

 

  



It is a surrender of our will that God asks for. He never forces surrender but waits. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Surrender brings unbroken communion with God. It brings rest and peace. Surrendering to God is a confession that He is indeed God, giving Him the freedom to break you, mold you, use you, send you for His glory. The greatest enemy to surrender is pride. Pride is poison in the Christian walk. Satan was expelled from Heaven because of pride. It is his specialty.

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom"
Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)


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