REAL WORSHIP IS...(Part Three)

 

REAL WORSHIP IS SEPARATED

 In Genesis 22 Abraham traveled to take his son Isaac to worship God at a designated place.  The Lord had asked him to sacrifice his son.  For three days Abraham traveled with his son and some servants.  Upon nearing the site of worship he said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." (Genesis 22:5 ESV)  

Abraham had already demonstrated his submissive and steadfast character to the Lord and now as he arrives near the mountain the Lord designated he separate himself from every worldly care as best he can.  Abraham came ready to worship knowing that sacrifice was involved.  

Real worship strives to shut out the world or separate oneself from worldly concerns or distractions.  When our worship is controlled by the world it has become polluted or contaminated.  You've heard the popular phrase, "Be in the world but not of the world."  Look what God says in James 4:4; "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?"(ESV) God first, and then other things should be our priority.  The Lord's church is to be a community of believers who strive to worship God together; not show off the latest fashion, gossip or simply hang out with friends.  Real worship can only be achieved if one truly comes prepared to worship and follows through by focusing on the real reason for being in the place of worship.  

Do you actually make preparations to worship?

How well do you separate the world from your worship? 

What is your true focus when it comes to worship?

REAL WORSHIP IS...(Part Two)

REAL WORSHIP IS STEADFAST

 Abraham's entire life is one devoted to worship of the Lord.  In Genesis 21 he just finished a time of worship at Beersheba.  He was experiencing a time of prosperity, blessing and he worshiped God with thanksgiving.  Abraham worshiped the Lord in the good times and in the bad.  In chapter 22 things take a surprising turn for Abraham as God instructs him to sacrifice his son.  God's command does not make sense to him, still Abraham worships!  

It is easy to worship God when things are going very well. It may not be so easy when hard times or things we don't understand come our way.  Real worship can see beyond the difficult circumstances of the moment. Real worship sees God as worthy regardless of what difficulties may come.  Real worship sees God in control at all times even when we don't understand what is going on.  

 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."  -Romans 8:28

 It seems that many people may be looking for excuses not to worship and blame God for their circumstances. Real and authentic worship sees the hand of God in all of life and loves Him in the good times and the bad. How well have you worshiped God in the challenges you've had so far this week?