You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11
The Lord takes pleasure in his people. Psalm 149:4a
You were planned for God's pleasure. It is the first and primary purpose of your life.
God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment.
Bringing pleasure to God is called worship. When we worship, our goal is to bring pleasure to God, not ourselves. Worship isn't for us. It's for God.
Praise God from sunrise to sunset. Psalm 113:3
Worship is not part of your life, it is your life.
The gist of today's message is that although singing and scripture reading can be part of worship, they don't constitute worship. It is, or is not worship depending on where your heart is as you are doing these things. I remember many times leaving church, saying that I didn't get anything out of the service. I now see that that isn't the point. I was supposed to be there to worship and give glory to God. It's all about him. "Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory and pleasure of God." Conversely, singing, or praying, while your mind is miles away, is not worship. I think that I can give glory to God by having more patience with life's annoyances and to have a lighter heart.
Hi Folks, First, I would like to say I am on Task and enjoying this. Please keep it up John.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to believe that even these little menial jobs give glory to God. But when I think of it that way, the job seems less menial and to be honest I give it a little more effort.
Bruce
I know just what you mean, Bruce. I had the discussion with John about how on earth can I wash dishes for Jesus??? Or do the laundry for Jesus or for that matter any household task? Menial things that you wouldn't think Jesus cares about. But when it's put in the context of finding pleasure in helping each other then it takes on a different feel. Jesus cares about what's in our hearts and the attitude we have when we do things. If we do them cheerfully and for the benefit of others and not ourselves, this becomes a way to worship God. Pray for me that I will get better at this!
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