1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.
In a world that demands our every moment and attention, I admit it is hard to make it stop so you take time to go to church. But if we can resist the temptation to stay home and mow the yard, I believe we can change our week.
What isn't Sunday worship? Well, it isn't the song service. Some people think that worship starts and ends with corporate singing. Corporate worship begins the moment you enter the door and ends when you drive off the parking lot.
Worship is greeting each other with a genuine heart of love. I've said it before, the greatest lie told in a church is "Fine." It follows the question, "How are you?" Worship asks the question with a genuine desire to know and help. Worship answers the question with joy and honest response.
Worship is singing, praising, giving thanks and heartfelt expressions love and honor to God. There is a song service, but it isn't there to entertain, it is an opportunity to give. Here we offer our lives as an expression of love and gratitude. We're not looking to "get" anything. We focus on Him.
Worship is loving one another, whether we are greeting each other or praying for one another. We do so to enrich their lives and expect nothing in return.
Worship is giving. There is an offering. Opportunity to bless others with what God has blessed us with. But more importantly, we are defeating the god of greed in our hearts that demands that we are as stingy as possible.
Worship is praying. Whether we are interceding for a need or expressing our heart's desire, prayer takes us into the presence of God where we can receive and believe.
Worship is listening and receiving. The Word of God is an all-important part of worship. Allowing those who are called and gifted to give what the Holy Spirit has shared with them enriches our lives and brings us closer to Him in a personal way.
Worship is yielding. We know that we enter into the church as imperfect beings in need of a perfect God. At the end of most corporate worship services, there is a challenge. It isn't a Pastor trying to change their congregation. It is an opportunity that has been created by the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus if we are willing to yield to His leadership.
Worshipping on the first day of the week has a profound impact on the rest of your week. Think about it. After you have worshipped God, could you go into your world and not reap the benefits of His presence?
What are you doing today?
PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to worship You today! AMEN
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