“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
Welcome to the 42nd weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we explored what true and acceptable worship means, the importance of creating the right atmosphere for worship, and how to trust Jesus as we worship Him with all our hearts.
We started the week by learning that there is such a thing as acceptable worship. True worship involves a life of dying daily to self and living for God. In other words, being a living sacrifice (Romans 12: 1). Worship is more than just lifting holy hands or singing. It’s how we live our lives. God desires all of you, not just a part, so your thoughts, words, actions, decisions, and desires—everything you do should reflect His influence.
On Tuesday, we learnt that just as plants require the right atmosphere to thrive, God’s power is the predictable outcome of the right spiritual environment. True worship creates an atmosphere of possibilities, and such an atmosphere allows the power of God to move unhindered (Psalm 114:5-7). Even though God is omnipresent, our consciousness of His presence and power allows us to experience Him fully (Psalm 78:41-43). You can experience this power anytime and anywhere by carrying the atmosphere of worship with you at all times.
Wednesday’s devotional taught us that in true worship, your heart must be sold out in total surrender (Psalms 86: 12). Worship is not complete until it is entire. We worship God not just to present our needs but to express gratitude and exalt His name, praising Him in good and difficult times. It’s a way to recognise His constant presence and unchanging nature, no matter our circumstances (Psalms 28: 7). Worship requires commitment and intentionality. As you worship, evaluate your heart, because true worship flows from there.
Thursday’s article showed us that even though everyday life can be chaotic, the right approach for a worshiper is to focus on Jesus regardless. Worship requires that you prioritise God over everything else (Hebrews 12:2). Life has many challenges, but whatever the case, it is always better to fix your gaze on Jesus, because in Him lies the strength to make it through. The more you immerse yourself in worship, the more you grow in the revelation of God and see His power displayed in your life.
We ended the week by learning to cast off idols. You can do this by prioritising the One for Whom you were created (Revelation 4:11) and resisting anything that hinders your relationship with Him (Ezekiel 14:3-4). For any meaningful relationship, including the one between you and God, loyalty and exclusivity are essential. To keep your heart aligned with God, recognise the major contenders for your devotion– money, fame, relationships– and deal with them.
Dear believer, remember that you were created to worship God, and let that influence everything you do. Worship him intentionally and wholeheartedly.
Have a great Weekend!
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