Shaping Our Understanding of Worship
Today's Scripture
"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" - (Psalm 150 NLT)
Thoughts for Today
To worship God passionately, we must base our understanding of worship on four foundational biblical truths: the character of God, Christ's leadership, the covenant of grace, and the biblical vision of the church. A discussion of these truths could fill volumes; indeed, they do flow throughout God's Word. Today and tomorrow we will touch very briefly on each one with the hope you will be motivated to grow in your understand as you continue pursuing these truths in God's Word.
Worship in spirit and truth. Grow to know God better through his Word. Trust the Holy Spirit to reveal more depth of truth from God's Word to you.
Consider this …
The Character of God
Without knowledge of God's character, worship is noise without substance. But as we grow in intimacy with him, we come to know him better. And as we come to know him better, how can we help but erupt in passionate worship?
They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3 NLT)
Christ's Leadership
Without Jesus' Lordship, worship will be misguided intentions and zeal.
But for us, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. (1 Corinthians 8:6 NLT)
Prayer
Lord, help me know you better that I may worship you more freely and passionately. Help me be more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as I follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior. In his name I pray . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
A Passionate Pursuit of God: Drawing Nearer to Him by Dr. Mike Chapman. This study teaches participant how to move into God's inner circle, how to listen for the voice of God, how to enjoy the freedom of worship, and how to embrace the mission of worship. This 45-minute format will accommodate groups with limited meeting times. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
