True worship, we are often taught, is more about the mind thinking rightly about God (using theologically correct language and liturgy) rather than the heart's hunger for him. The exercises of our enlightened minds may deduce God, but only our ignited hearts can delight him. Therefore to please God, worship must do four things: 1. True worship treasures God's presence. God welcomes those into his presence who want him. The quest may be one of desperation or of delight, of frantic need or of a loving hunger for fellowship, but the motivation is clear—and so is his pleasure with it. In Exodus 33 and 34, a tender and powerful exchange takes place between God and Moses, spanning the range from an intimate face-to-face encounter to a dramatic declaration by the Almighty. Central is the cry of Moses: "Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in your sight, show me now your way, that I may know you and that I may find grace in your sight." To which God replies, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Ex. 33:13-15). Rather than tightly regimented gatherings, concerned over aesthetics, mechanics, and academic theology, we need to encourage people to fall in love with God. 2. True worship humbles the heart. In Isaiah 6:1-8, the abject cry of a sinful man, "Woe is me, for I am undone," was not an achievement of intellectual analysis, but of self-discovery made upon entering God's presence. Isaiah said, "I saw the Lord" with neither apology nor arrogance; it was a breakthrough of grace that produced a breakup of pride. Isaiah, a member of the cultural, educated elite of Judah, demonstrated a childlike humility and teachability. His cry reveals an unreserved availability to God. 3. True worship sacrifices and then expects something from God.Hebrews 11:6 puts it clearly: "Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." The text presupposes that worship always brings a sacrifice to God, that "anyone who comes," whether with praise, an offering, or by "laying down" something instructed by the Holy Spirit, is presenting something of himself to God. Simultaneously we are told that the worshiper is to believe something will be given in return by God himself—something rewarding, benevolent, and good. Some try to defend God against human selfishness and refuse all talk of reward. But the truth is, God freely offers the reward of his blessing—and delights to do so. He doesn't grouse, "Don't you dare give me something and suppose you're manipulating me to give back!" Instead, his Word simply says, in effect, "Since you come to me, I would expect you to believe I will reward your quest." Worship is God's gift to us, intended for our blessing and benefit. He doesn't need it; we do. 4. True worship extends God's love. If God-pleasing worship addresses human need, it also extends God's love to others. It is thus unsurprising that the greatest commandment flows into the second, which is like it. The vertical mandate, to love and worship God, is also horizontal, to love the neighbor. This means such things as:
What is birthed in the heart, then, finds expression in the hands—hands that rise in humble praise, give in simple expectancy, and serve with gentle grace. With such sacrifices, God seems to be well pleased.    Disabilities Intentional Worship SpaceAssess your church's facilities to see if they reflect your core values. Mother's Day Plan a Mother's Day celebration. 21 Things to Keep in Mind Know what you should do—and shouldn’t do—to be a blessing to your friend with cancer. |            | |||||||||||||||
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