|
       |
|
Worship must be based on the truth of God's Holy Word. God reveals Himself to us through His Word encompassing His wonderful plan of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, His divine attributes, and His unchangeable character. God also reveals to us the truth about who we are in our sinfulness and what He did to redeem us. When we see Him as He is, we can only bow down in humility and thankfulness for what He has done.
We must be open to let God have His way in worship. This is true in every stage, from preparation, to picking songs, to rehearsal, to the actual act of Worship. Our prayer must always be: "God, have Your complete way with us."
We must be real before God and before others. We must come to God with honest hearts. God hates pride and pretense. Psalm 51:17 says, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise."
We must consistently confess our sins before the Lord. Un-confessed sin will always negatively affect our times of worship. God will not pour out His presence until we are willing in all aspects to be clean before Him. (Psalm 66:18, 1 John 1:9)
The Holy Spirit is the source of true worship. He fills us, leads us, empowers, and convicts us. Jesus said, "But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you." (John 16:13-14)
True worship must be relational and intimate. Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." We cannot keep God at "arms-length" if true worship is to happen.
Without prayer, we are left with nothing but meaningless self-sufficiency and performance. We may even look "spiritual", but without prayer, it will amount to only "wood, hay, and stubble." (1 Cor. 3:12-13)
|
|
