11.07.2006

Psalm 34:3
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Hey everyone,

Sorry that this is coming up a few days later than expected. It seems as though being in the middle of a whirlwind is becoming more and more common… and there aren’t any signs of the weather letting up any time in the near future. But, that’s okay, because the whirlwind has been good.

The thing that has been on my mind over the past week (and a half) is worship and praise. There is so much that God has been doing in my life recently, and quite honestly I don’t understand why He’s been so good to me besides the fact that goodness is a part of who He is. It’s just… awesome. Words cannot express it.
Thinking on it now, and the nature of worship, questions come up. What does it mean to worship? How do we, as children of God, worship the Father? How do I praise God? What do I praise God for?
Generally speaking, when people hear the word ‘worship’ as a verb, they think of music. In our tidy Christian bookstores, we have whole sections dedicated to “worship music.” But, music that isn’t labeled specifically as ‘worship’ can also be worshipful music. Worship is also something that is well beyond music, and can be done through art, chores, or simply just sitting and appreciating the beauty of nature. Ultimately, just about anything and everything in our lives can be done in a worshipful way to God. When we worship God, it isn’t about what we do. Worship is about the heart and attitude we have… pouring out praises and love, adoration and awe, obedience and humility. And really, there’s a lot that we have to praise God for. The very fact that we wake up each morning with breath in our lungs and a soft bed under our bodies is a pretty darn good reason to praise the Lord. (I may complain about my mattress, but I’m sure glad that I have one.) The fact that God has made us with hundreds of taste-buds to enjoy food is another way I praise the Lord. Being able to worship God freely without persecution is another good reason to praise Him… and so many, many other things that happen every single day that we take for granted.
With that in mind, I’m mixing something a little different into this Weekly. I’m giving you a homework assignment… you can send it back to me if you like, so I can praise the Lord with you.
What is it that you praise God for? Really think about it. In what ways do you see how God has been good to you? Praise Him for it!
Journal it. Sing about it. Be inspired by it. Think about it during the rest of this week; turn it over and let it simmer a while. Talk to someone about it. Bring it up. Ask someone about how they praise the Lord. Whatever you do, do not let this opportunity pass you by. Seize it and give it back to God.
This is what we at my home-church like to call “Bragging on God.” So; brag on God. He’s been good to you, right?

In love and in Him,
Your sister,
Yvonne