The Bible says that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). This requires effort on our part. That’s the thing about relationships. Both parties must make an effort for it to work. In our relationship with God, surrender and obedience is necessary. This is what proper worship is … Continue reading Making the Effort
Tag: worship
Celebrate and Weep
The Bible tells us to celebrate and weep with other people. During good times, rejoice. During change and loss, grieve. It’s simple but yet not simple at all. Romans 12:15 says, “Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve” (TPT). This requires some kind of connection and attention. That’s where there is … Continue reading Celebrate and Weep
Greater Than Friendship
As a child, one of the most important things for me was my friendship with Jesus. Today’s verse speaks about something greater than friendship. It’s important that we remember both that Jesus is our friend, but also remember too, that we have something greater than friendship with Him. First, let us look at this friendship. … Continue reading Greater Than Friendship
Letting Doubt Win
Today’s verse speaks about letting doubt win. Matthew 14:31 says: “Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and lifted him up and said, ‘What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?’” (TPT). This response was directed to Peter who walked on water until he saw the strength of the wind and was afraid. … Continue reading Letting Doubt Win
The Privilege of Worshiping
Psalm 100:3 reads: “And realize what this really means—we have the privilege of worshiping the Lord our God. For He is our Creator and we belong to Him. We are the people of His pleasure (TPT). The ESV translates it this way: “Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, … Continue reading The Privilege of Worshiping
Everyone Everywhere
Psalm 100:1 says, “Lift up a great shout of joy to the Lord! Go ahead and do it—everyone, everywhere!” (TPT). Other translations say it this way: praise the Lord all the earth or praise the Lord all the lands. How will everyone everywhere praise the Lord? How will all the earth, all the lands, praise … Continue reading Everyone Everywhere
Uncontainable Praises
n Psalm 92:1, we read: “It’s so enjoyable to come before You with uncontainable praises spilling from our hearts! How we love to sing our praises over and over to You, to the matchless God, high and exalted over all!” (TPT). The ESV translates it this way: “It is good to give thanks to the … Continue reading Uncontainable Praises
Leap for Joy
The Message says, “Dance.” The Passion Translation says, “Leap for joy.” Other translations say, “Rejoice.” All day long. Read this again— all day long. Can you imagine dancing all day long? That’s certainly some high level Dance Dance Revolution right there. Can you imagine leaping for joy all day? I cannot even leap in the … Continue reading Leap for Joy
Radiance of Your Presence
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who hear the joyful call to worship, who know the festal shout (NIV, NLT, ESV). The Passion Translation says it this way: “O Lord, how blessed are the people who experience the shout of worship, for they walk in the radiance of Your presence” (Psalm 89:15). … Continue reading Radiance of Your Presence
Deserving of Worship
Read Psalm 86. Yesterday, we looked at how God is Creator of all. Our devotion ended with us being in awe of Creator God, and that awe resulting in worship. Today, we focus on the worship that God alone deserves (see Psalm 86:9). Philippians 2:9-11 says: “For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave … Continue reading Deserving of Worship
Tania Gutekunst 