Why do people worship like that?

You'd be surprised to know how many people do not understand the beauty of worship.  Really.  

Some people see worship as nothing more than walking into the church, parking their feet under a pew and clapping their hands from time to time when the choir sings.

I contend that worship is much, much more than those simple physical expressions.  Worship is awe and amazement at a wondrous, gracious, loving God- a God that's a Father.  Worship is beatiful, as the Psalm says. 

Sometimes, it's a supernatural gratitude of who God is (strong, mighty, my joy, strength and completion), what He has done (saved me, cleansed me, accepted me and changed me)  and what He will do (only He knows!). You know, the woman at my church that worships the loudest does so because of God's grace, healing and restoration in her life.  Her worship is hard earned by Christ, its expensive because it costed so very much of her and of Her Savior!

That's why I worship without abandon.  As my tears of gratitude stream down my cheeks, I often long for words to express my love and thankfulness to my Heavenly Father, but words often fail me.  Only my tears will suffice.  I love Him so.
It's not emotion, it's thankfulness.  It's acknowledgement, it's surrender to the God of the universe.  Hey, if Jesus could give His life, I can give my worship and allegiance, right?  And, sorry, I don't care what anyone thinks.  The last thing on my mind during worship is what the "frozen chosen" thinks of me!

As Rabbi Schneider, from "The Jewish Jewish" said, the very heart of worship is abandoning ourselves and putting God first in everything. He referenced Abraham's obedience (to give His son) as a perfect example of true worship.  Now, we know that God gave that illustration once  in Biblical times and He doesn't ask us to to such things now days. But still, God still requires complete and totally submission from you as your expression of worship. It may look different from mine and mine may look different from hers, but true worship is a heart thing that only God can judge. No one else is qualified. 

Maybe, part of yourworship sacrifice is of your time, your effort, your obedience, your pride, your gifts, your money, your television time or even that ungodly relationship that's pulling you from God's plan for your life.

Whatever it is, demonstrate your worship today by giving God the very best of yourself and your praise!

Asking God for Help

God wants you to ask!

Have you ever wondered: “if God is all knowing, why do I have to ask Him for what I need?”

Asking is a very important part of any relationship. Fully-functional relationships are rooted in liberty, humility, and faith. It is actually a beautiful thing that we can go to God in prayer. This access to the Creator of the universe is actually a testament to a loving, and merciful God.

Although He's powerful, mighty and holy, he wants us to feel comfortable in our reverence. He doesn't want frightened little Christian robot children afraid to ask, afraid to seek and afraid to knock on the doors of heaven. No, he wants you to come boldly to the throne of grace and make your request known (read Hebrews 4:16).

Public Enemy#1: Pride
Did you know the act of “asking” is interconnected with humility? Look at this way: a person too proud to ask for what they need (or want) will not please God. God hates pride and will never bless it. Pride is what kicked Lucifer from heaven and caused many Godly people to fall. Pride is the first step of failure (Prov. 16:18). That "I can do it all myself" mentality will only lead to heartache. You need God and you need His people. Point, blank...PERIOD.

God invites your interdependence; He demands it.

Asking for what you need reminds us that we cannot do “life” without His power, provision, strength, grace or compassion. It demonstrates our helplessness and feebleness to get through life alone. Some people say Christianity is a crutch. I wholeheartedly agree. I need Him with every fiber of my being. Besides, every breathing human being needs a crutch. For some, it's drugs, sex, alcohol, work, relationships and so on. At least my crutch is eternally dependable and blesses me boundlessly. I'll bet they can't say the same.

Yeah, the key to humility is remembering

that you are nothing but dust and that God

owes you nothing, even though He offers everything.

Finally, if you - no, when you ask God for anything, trust, believe and be persuaded that He is all-powerful and rewards those who diligently seek Him. This means He blesses you as you seek Him. Search His word to learn how He moves. Dig in to discover His nature. Pray to get His plan. Steadfast faith and complete reliance on God is critical in prayer. Otherwise, don't expect to receive anything.

When you ask, don't be afraid to rejoice in the “yes”; while being willing to accept the “no”.

Amen?

Scriptures I reference:
Proverbs 103:4
2Peter 1:3
Hebrews 11:6

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When God seems wrong

God's will is always best, but sometimes hurts.

Have you ever been disappointed by one (or several of) God’s decisions? Maybe you wanted a particular job, mate, home, car, ministry position, or healing for someone and God decided to fulfill His purposes completely opposite of your request. Or maybe you are at your wits end in that marriage, and God says “stay”.

You are Human
We have all “made our requests known” (as the scripture tells us) only to have God do His own thing. Let’s be honest; it can hurt when God says “No” while we want Him to say “Yes”.

A Beautiful Truth
God is immeasurably gracious, merciful and compassionate. He understands our pain and bottles every single one of our tears. He knows how you feel when we are disappointed. He even knows how difficult it is at times to submit to His will. But, He wants us to submit nonetheless.

Remember, when Jesus was praying in the Garden and asked "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me"? I think Jesus wanted to demonstrate to us that we can talk to our Father about absolutely anything. But, at the same time, He's showing us we must always put His will before our own. That's why He ended the prayer with “nevertheless, your will be done.”

God understands your disappointment and the grief that often follows His decisions. He listens, comforts and promises to help you work through the sorrow. He’s there to help you one hundred percent of the time – in the “yes” seasons and in the “no” seasons too.

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And we know that in all things God works for the good of 

those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom. 8:28

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If your heart is heavy today, talk to Him. Bask in the comfort of the Psalms. Keep searching until you find one that soothes your soul. Then, cast your feelings, thoughts and anguish on Him. He can handle it.

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For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, 

plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give 

you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11

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Another tip: keep your environment praise-worthy, GodsyGirl. Play worship music that soothes your spirit and feeds your faith. Then, watch God usher you through the deepest darkest times of your life. His will is King, and so is His comfort and peace.

Hang in there. His ways may be far above reaching, but His comfort is just a call away.

Scriptures:
Matthew 26:39
Psalm 56:8
Isaiah 55:8