1997-06-27 - Not Just A Sunday Thing
Sometimes we get the idea that worship is something we do in church on weekends, and that is partially true! It is important that we faithfully meet with other believers, to honor God.
Psa 22:22 (NIV) I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.Heb 10:25 (NIV) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
However, we are to also worship God every day, morning and night.
Psa 92:1-2 (NRSV) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,
In fact, our everyday lives are to be offered as continuous worship.
Rom 12:1 (NRSV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Some people find that singing a hymn during their devotional period each day -- or even just reading the words of one -- helps with personal worship. Some, myself included, find it uplifting to think of things we have to be thankful for. What's that I hear? Some of you are not having personal Bible study time or devotional time on a daily basis? I believe that is crucial. The Bible is to be in our hearts and minds at all times, so that it can influence everything we do and say. We won't be close to God, or faithful at obeying Him, unless we are in His Word every day.
Psa 119:11 (NRSV) I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.Psa 119:105 (NRSV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
But more about that at a later time. : )
Dear Father, please help us to realize that we are to worship You every day, with our very lives. May this become our greatest joy, and may we do it more and more. In Jesus' name, amen.