Mission Accomplished! Now what?

There’s a strange uneasy lull in life when a goal is met.  Yes, there’s the euphoric high of victory.  But stealing the thrill of the moment is that nagging notion, “What am I to do now?”

I’m a goal maker, list writer, and checkmark junkie.  As much as I delight in checking off a completed goal, I cringe in fear of the new thing.  I suppose it’s human nature to fear the unknown tomorrows and want to curl up in the comfort of today’s ‘knowns.’

I wasn’t the one that graduated on May 26.  It’s not even my victory but for some reason, I’m feeling the lull.  For six long years, Mike has put numerous miles on our car, studied countless hours, and spent more money than we had to earn his Masters of Divinity from Arizona’s campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

It was worth the sacrifices made.  He was the only local graduate to receive M. Div. with Advanced Biblical Studies.  In true Mike form, he did it with a 3.9 GPA.  (Yes, he mourned the one B plus. It happened the semester his mother died.)

The seminary professors took note of his accomplishments in class and in the ministry by awarding him the Buren Higdon Leadership Award.  This honor is given to only one graduate from all the Southern Baptist Seminaries.  Yes, we are proud and humbled by God’s favor.

But now what?

I am ready to start a new adventure.  I feel the need to turn the page and see what God has in store for the next chapter.  I expect it to be grand.  I expect it to be a challenge.  No, I truly expect it will terrify us toward a deeper faith.

The celebration is over, let’s kill the lull, and conquer the fears.  God is on the move and I don’t want to miss a beat.  There’s a stirring in my spirit that assures me that this is going to be a heart-throbbing year.

Here’s all we know so far,

• Mike is going for his doctorate.
• He will be church planting in downtown Phoenix.
• I’m returning to school for creative writing courses.
• We’re starting a Bible study/prayer group in our Mesa home for young couples.
• We’ll expand the ministries in Morristown with a Hispanic church, mission team, and a new Kids Club on the school campus.
• I’ll continue to write and teach as God leads.
• And of course we’ll enjoy extended family times with Tori, Dustin, Eli, Andrew and Morgan.

Guess the lull won’t last long.

(Photo 1:  Graduating class, Photo 2: Mike with Dr. Iorg and Dr. Johnson, Photo 3:  Mike with Dr. Smith, Photo 4: Mike with Tori and Andrew, Photo 5:  Mike with me, Tori, Andrew, Morgan, Dustin was ill and Eli was with Nana.  Photo 5:  Mike’s cheering section.  Thanks to all who came to share the day with us!)

Flying Money

This season of life doesn’t allow much time for writing though; it has allowed me ample time for reflection.  As I pack moving boxes, unpack stored items, cook for my family, hold a sleeping grandson, and walk about my neighborhood, my mind is free to wander through memories of past seasons in my life.  What a journey it has been!

Over 20 years ago, God revived my heart and soul.  Before, I was a Class A, fanatical control-freak, hyperactive workaholic with more strongholds than victories.  After years of daily praying, “Lord, Change me!” I can now celebrate over a treasure trove of testimonies.  I am proof He can take weakness and mold it into His likeness.

Lesson #1; God proved He could be trusted.  He used our livelihood as His teaching tool.  He lead Mike to leave the security of a regular and more than sufficient paycheck to become a private consultant for a software firm.  We were called to survive on the inconsistent commission checks.  In other words, we had less and prayed more!

Testimony #1; Mike was away on a business trip and I was down to our last few dollars.  It was Sunday morning and the kids and I were at church.  I was new in this lifestyle of hearing His voice.  But when He spoke, I knew it was Him.

Sitting in that service, I clearly heard Him tell me to empty my purse.  I was to give every cent to the offering.  My heart skipped a few beats as I pondered what we would have for lunch.  But when that plate came my way, I gave the two bills from my wallet, a $5 and a $1.  For good measure I even dumped the small amount of change without counting it.

Then I worshiped, truly worshiped.  I can still remember the freedom and joy of knowing that now I’m in His hands.  I’m His responsibility.  It’s up to Him to feed my kids.

As we left the church and walked to our car, a young friend asked for a ride home.   She immediately hands me a $5 bill and insists I take it as repayment for a previous loan.  I started to resist but felt His nudging that it was right.  She needed the blessing and well, He was up to something.

Now in West Virginia, it is not uncommon to see debris blowing across the road.  No one pays any attention so for me to notice a small piece of paper blowing right up the middle of the road was unique.  When I announced to the kids, “Look there’s something blowing towards us!”  They looked at me like I was crazy and shrugged a ‘so-what’.

Their shrugging shoulders gave way to gasps of surprise, and maybe a bit of fear, when I suddenly whipped the car around and off the side of the road exclaiming, “It’s money!”

Now their eyes are huge as I leap from the car and catch the $1 bill flying toward me.  I didn’t care how stupid I looked standing in that road, with tears sliding down my face, and beaming a thank you to the heavens.  Before I could get home, He had restored to me what I was willing to give to Him.  I knew then I could trust Him.

I also knew I would need to be alert and open to His mysterious ways.  This would require a constant openness to His voice so that I never miss His plan.  I smile as I anticipate the next stories to share with you.  Oh the wonders I have experienced!   He never ceases to delight and amaze.

It’s been a thrill ride and not for the faint of faith.

Trusting the Lord or Budgeting?

I heard an interesting discussion the other night.  Young godly couples sharing their strategies for money management, tithe first, budget everything else.  Their goals are to pay off their mortgages, live frugal lifestyles, and save for their children’s futures.  I was impressed with their wise and godly objectives.

But I sensed one major ingredient was missing, day-to-day trusting in the Lord.  They know their lives are in His hands.  They acknowledge that He provides their jobs and overall care.  They sought His wisdom about the homes they bought, cars they drive, and their big item purchases.

Yet I sensed a stress level in each of their lives that should not be there.  Their budgets cause them to micro-manage every penny, every detail of their lives.  I wanted to ask them the following question and then encourage them to take the challenge of ultimate trust.

Which is more terrifying to you:  One, to be in total control of every budget penny and know where the money is coming to pay every bill or two, to let go completely, live your life to the fullest and trust God to meet your every need?

If God told you to marry that beloved one He provided,

If God provided that job in answer to your prayers,

If God lead you to buy that home,

If God blessed you with that child (or children),

If God allowed that illness,

If God knew you needed that vacation,

If God loves to bless His children then would He not provide, could He not be trusted, is He not the One to put in complete control?

These past twenty years as I’ve walked with my Lord, I’ve learned to yield my will to His, to minute-by-minute seek His advice, and to trust Him to provide for my every need.  If He has called me to a ministry that honors His name and brings Him glory then He will provide my daily bread.  We learned to pray The Lord’s Prayer as children, yet we often don’t live it out in our daily walk.

Mike and I don’t budget, we pray.  We have been tested along the way.  We’ve had seasons when money was tight and we were clueless where the provisions would come.  Yet He never failed.  When we are obedient, He is faithful.  Actually even when we fail, He is faithful.  He can be trusted to always care for His children.  He deserves to be trusted.  He deserves to be praised for His faithfulness.

I will use my next few blogs to share testimonies of His goodness.  I hope to encourage my readers to learn to walk by faith, to let go of the control panel, and jump into His outstretched Fatherly arms.  The secret is to find that perfect balance of complete trust and immediate obedience.

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you:  Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering.  Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.   Romans 12:1 in the Message

Top Ten Lessons Learned from a One-year-old

“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:1-3

Our precious grandson celebrated his birthday!  One year ago, life as we knew it changed drastically.  He came in and turned us upside down in the best of ways.  He is God’s living breathing visual aid.  Eli has taught me more in one year than I could’ve learned in ten without him.

Here are my Top Ten lessons along with adorable pictures of Eli taken by his momma.

Cry loud and often.  When you are in need, in pain, or just bored, cry out until God comes to your rescue.  Our Lord wants us to depend on Him.  Jesus says, “Ask (beg) for anything in my name and I will do it.”  John 14:14

 

Live your life without a care in the world.  Run as fast as you can, climb the highest obstacles, and touch everything.  Explore your world expecting God to provide your safety.  1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear…

It’s okay to act like a baby.  Be silly, laugh, giggle, put food on your head, play peek-a-boo, sing without music, dance to your own beat, cheer for yourself, care less about how you look or what you wear.  Life is one big adventure, enjoy it.   John 10:10  I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Never ever give up.  If you fail the first time, try again and again and again until the task is mastered.  Repetition is paramount.  Just as mom and dad keep picking up those toys you love to drop, God will patiently give you chance after chance to get it right.  Philippians 1:6 …being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.

 

 

The simple things in life are best.  Boxes are better than toys.  Cabinet doors, pots and pans, mom’s glasses, straws and shopping bags entertain longer than electronic toys.  Rocks taste as good as candy.  Daddy’s lullabies are as grand as opera.  Psalm 116:6  The LORD protects the simplehearted.

 

Live contented.  The size, décor, or expense of your home is immaterial to happiness.  A baby steps in mud puddles regardless of the expense of his shoes.  Never own anything that can’t be smeared with ketchup.  Let it all go and live!  1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Trust Love.  There’s security in love.  Without love a baby wouldn’t cuddle into your arms to fall asleep, take your finger to pull you along for a walk, run into your outstretched arms, or squeeze your neck while slobbering kisses over your face.   One must know love to give love.   1 Corinthians 13:2…and if I have the faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Change is inevitable.  People won’t always cheer when you poop, laugh as they change your diapers, and sing as they clean up your spills.  Growing up means change, taking responsibility.  1 Peter 2:2  Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

The sin nature is a wicked force.  No baby has to be taught how to have a tantrum, take what doesn’t belong to him, or run from the truth.  It comes naturally and grows with each new day.  Every baby needs Jesus.  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 

 

 

 

There’s a grand plan in the works.  Babies naturally go through developmental stages.  One level leads to another, for countless generations it’s been the same.  Yet there can always be the exception that stands out…be special.  Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Happy birthday Eli!

Santa Slayer or Truth Teller?

Last night I did the unthinkable for many Americans.  It was not intentional.  It happened so quickly.  One moment I was telling the greatest story ever told to a room full of eager children, and then the next moment, I announced, “Santa is not real.”

Gasps from the children and adults assured me I had made a huge mistake.  It went something like this…

Me:  An earthquake shook, the soldiers fell as if dead, and the stone rolled away.  Guess what Jesus did?

Kid:  He walked out of the tomb.

Me: He is alive!  God raised Him from the dead.  He died for our sins so that His perfect blood could save us.  He rose from the dead so that we could have new life.  Isn’t that the most wonderful story ever?

Boy:  But how did He die again?

Me:  He didn’t!  He’s still alive!

All Kids:  Really?  Where is He?

Me:  He’s in heaven sitting beside God the Father.  Guess what he’s doing?

Kid:  Watching over us?

Me:  Yes, He’s watching over us but He’s also praying for us.  Right now, He’s praying that each of us will open our hearts to Him, love and obey Him.

Same boy:  Does He watch us in the shower?

All kids:  giggles

Sharon, other teacher:  He watches your heart.

Me:  Jesus loves us so much that He died so we could be free from sin.  He prays for God’s children and He watches over us.

Girl:  Just like Santa.

Me:  OH, He’s so much better than Santa.  Jesus is real and Santa is not.

It went downhill from there.  A perfect moment when the kids were so engrossed to my words that they are almost in my lap with anticipation.  How did Santa come into the picture and ruin everything?  It was a God moment.  Everything in me cringed when I heard Jesus compared to Santa.  I couldn’t let it stay in their minds like that.

I wanted the kids to leave there knowing the amazing love of their Savior, instead they left wondering about Santa.  And of course within 10 minutes, I had an irate parent rebuking me for my ignorance.  Shaming me for what I did.  Informing me that though her daughter loved coming to Kids Club, she would never be allowed to return.

Then the mom said, “I know Santa is not real but it’s my place to decide when to tell my children the truth.”  Yes, it is the parents’ responsibility to tell their kids the Truth, not mine.  Someday she (and a million other parents) will stand before Almighty God and before His Glory they will wonder why they ever chose to lie to their children.

I struggled all night.  The people-pleaser me was devastated by her attack.  The fearful me was afraid of more attacks.  The insecure me shamed myself for not having more control over my tongue and ruining everything.   The Spirit in me prayed.

Father, take my blunder and make it wise.  Open the hearts and minds of the children to see Jesus as Real.  Your name being honored is all that matters.  Heal the hurts.  Crush the lies.  Bring us into unity with You.  Protect the children and the truths stored in them.  Give me wisdom to face the attacks.  May everyone involved see Your glory.  Amen

 

How has Santa become such a force that when exposed for the lie that it is, rage ensues?    That young girl’s simple statement showed me that in her mind, Santa is a god equal to Jesus.  Has Santa become an American birthed religion?

How is this child going to feel when she realizes she is banned from hearing the truth?   How do children cope once they learn every adult they trusted has lied to them?  I was never taught to believe in Santa so I have no experience to relate.

Will you share?

Are You Living Rescued?

I lack words.  I have none that express the horrors of imprisonment.  I’m not speechless.  I’m inadequate.

Maybe together we can taste the bile of desperation, pain, and hopelessness if we will pause from our comfort and imagine …

A broken and caged POW isolated from his comrades hearing only the screams of torture as he waits the inevitable.

The young Holocaust victim corralled in procession with other frightened children, inhaling only the gaseous stench of death.

A diseased African woman in the belly of a ship ripped away from her children and abused at the hands of slave traders, facing only a future of torturous labor.

The murderer on death row with only his demons to keep him company as they torture his mind and eat away at his soul.

Each of them dreaming of home, they crave freedom from this present age.

Most likely you have never been a captive of war, a victim of racism, or a prisoner of crimes committed.  Maybe you are.  Today there are millions of slaves held against their will while used for sex trade or hard labor.  Countless numbers are trapped within violent gangs, racist wars, cults, and far more common, abusive homes.  All are trapped and pleading for freedom.

You may be unable to relate to these evil environments, but if you were born on planet Earth, you were born a slave.  Your body wrecked by sin.  Your soul held captive by Satan.  Death, your only guarantee.

But praise God for He loves the prisoners of Earth!  Jesus came and rescued (pass tense) captives from this evil present age.  (Galatians 1:4)  Have you been rescued?

It happens something like this:

From our first breath of earthly air, the countdown to our last breath begins.  Cuddly babies, giggly tots, playful children, adventurous teens into maturing adults, at every stage the disease of sin hardens the heart, controls the brain, and chokes out life.

 

In the early years, it’s hardly noticeable, a lie here and a temper tantrum there.  But as it spreads it controls every thought and motive until we acknowledge we do what we don’t want to do and don’t do what we want to do. 

 

The search for peace, joy and fulfillment consumes us.  Nothing satisfies the hollow pit of our soul.  Fears confine, despair strangles, agony consumes, until life is a tragedy.  A stage of characters acting and reacting to the treadmill of daily drudgery.

 

But what Satan intended to destroy, God planned to redeem.  Every human is pursued by the presence and power of the Almighty who stirs the conscience, opens eyes, and enlightens hearts with His Truth.

 

The rescued simply responded, “Save me, Jesus.”

 

All the power of the supernatural God moves the forces of nature to scoop us out of the darkness and cradle us against His heart.  Gently he washes away the filth of sin until we are as white as snow.  He dresses us in royal robes and puts a crown upon our heads. 

 

He calls the forces of darkness to stand alert as He anoints our head with oil, breathes the fullness of His Spirit into our bodies, and trumpets our new standing as His heir, His child.  The angels rejoice.  Jesus beams.  The Father admires His plan. 

 

Another is rescued and redeemed from this present evil age.  Free! 

 

He stoops down, gently kissing our forehead, picks us up…and then puts us right back in the present evil age to live out our days.

But now we’re different.  We are aliens in this world.  We lose nothing of what He gave us.

The filth and grime of this world can’t penetrate His holiness in us.

The weapons of the enemy bounce off our armor.

We move about with effortless ease as we follow his footsteps.

Sadness and grief seep all around us but we remain full of joy and hope.

Sickness and disease can attack us but not defeat us.

Pressures and deadlines mean nothing.

Evil can torture and kill us but our rescued souls live victoriously.

We are free to live like Superman only there is no kryptonite.  All the super heroes had a weakness.  Jesus did NOT.  Neither do we…unless we doubt.

Believe God and live rescued!

Oh Father, I do believe, help me with my unbelief. 

The Cancer Landmine

Sometimes you’re going through the day-to-day drudgeries of life and then, kaboom! An unforeseen landmine explodes in your path.  Often its debris plummets down upon you from so many directions you don’t know which way to turn.  Other times it just lands on the bull’s-eye; your head.

 

Cancer has once again exploded in our family.  Oh how sweet it will be to live eternally in resurrected bodies free from sickness.  But until that day, we trudge on facing the battles as they come.

 

Dustin, our precious son-in-law, has been diagnosed with stage IIB Hodgkins lymphoma.  He and Tori are both strong in faith and seeking The Great Physician for complete healing.  I ask that you join them in that prayer.  I promise to keep you posted for someday soon we can all rejoice in the miracle of God’s healing.

 

Until then, my writing schedule will be sporadic at best.  You’ve probably noticed these past few weeks I’ve missed my usual three posts per week.  Our days have been devoted to caring for Eli while his beloved parents keep the unending doctors’ appointments.

 

We ask why?  Why does one so young and strong in faith have to suffer?  Why when our lives were riding along so smoothly does it seem God brings a sudden derailment?  Were we off course and didn’t know it?  Or is He divinely directing us to higher grounds for more precious intimacy and power?  I like to think of it that way.  For He is good and everything He does is for our good.

 

For instance, He directed us to the perfect house in Mesa.  We took possession this week.  His perfect timing for us to be near our kids when they need us the most.  Tori and I love to decorate so we now have a fun creative outlet for the coming weeks.  Isn’t our Lord precious to give us gifts so personal to our personalities?

 

If I am unable to continue my blogs topics, I promise to post regular updates of this new journey as well as some fun things from my past, short stories, and personal testimonies.

 

If you check the weekly categories on my homepage you will find that I organized my past series into separate categories for easy viewing.  You can refresh your memory or share with others my teachings on:  Fasting is Feasting, De-stressing your life through Prayer, Hearing God’s Voice, Who is your Life? as well as the current lessons on Worship and Teaching them Everything, the Red Words of Jesus.

 

We cherish your prayers and this online friendship.  Always remember this when your life is rudely interrupted:  A landmine in the loving hands of the Maestro of Heaven is an awesome masterpiece.

Jump In

When the last of the number is brought into the Kingdom, I imagine Abraham will gaze across the oceans of people in glory and marvel: just as God promised from his one son Isaac, their descendants outnumber the stars and sands.

By faith, Abraham believed God.

I want to have the faith that believes God will take the meager that I see with physical eyes and do the immeasurably more.  I want to have the spiritual eyes while on this earth to see the reality behind that kind of faith.

Jesus’ hometown people saw Him only as the carpenter son of Mary and Joseph.  Nicodemus saw only a young Rabbi who spoke of impossible things.  The woman at the well saw a Jewish prophet without a cup to draw water and drink.

We see only those things that our brains have past associations.  We live by sight.  That’s why we ask such silly questions and pray such weak prayers.

Nicodemus asked if a man could reenter his mother’s womb while the woman in John 4 asked how Jesus was going to draw living water when He didn’t even have a jug.  Later His disciples asked if someone else had brought him food cause He didn’t seem to need what they were offering.  All man has to offer in response to an encounter with God is ridiculous nonsense.

We live on planet earth and are satisfied with the atmosphere we see around us while we marvel at the sun, moon, and stars.  When we want an awe boost, we watch a documentary on the vastness of the universe or the intricacies of the human body.  We’re wowed by what we have already discovered.   Still that’s faith by sight.

There is so much more to behold.  Everything God gives is abundantly more than we could ever imagine.  That tells me that we have yet to see the smallest glimpse of the glory of His creation.  Our impressive discoveries of the universe are nothing compared to what is out there all around us in the spirit realm concealed because we refuse to live by spiritual faith.

We would worship in spirit if we ever saw the Truth.  We’re no better than the generation who saw the incarnate God walking among them and not recognize Him.

Their feeble minds couldn’t conceive of Yahweh humbly walking among them willing to die for their sins.  We now know that was reality.  Do you ever wonder what other realities should be evident to us today?  What would happen if we lived as spiritual beings instead of living immersed in the natural, consumed by the temporal, and diseased by the flesh?

I believe we’d never cease to worship.

We’d be daily astounded by wonder upon wonder.

We’d boldly go where no man has gone before.

We’d live like Jesus lived…just like He promised we could.

Here’s my plan.  It’s simple but with God all things are possible.

I plan to make a list of all I see around me in the natural life.  Next, I’ll ask God to give me faith to see with spiritual eyes.  Finally, I’ll pray to walk in this revealed reality.

Care to join me?  Maybe then we’ll be added to Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith.

By faith, Shelia believed God and jumped…

Good News, Sad News

I’ve heard it said that for believers, no bad things happen to them.  Yes, sad things will happen, but there are never bad things from God’s sovereign hand.  This has been a week that challenged my faith in those words.

Some seasons of life require more faith in the goodness and power of our Lord.  For me, each day this week was a constant need to recite Romans 8:28.  And we know that in all things God works for the good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

When that verse didn’t work, I’d go for a worship walk:  Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Yes, it’s been one of those weeks full of good news and sad news.

Sad news:  Andrew and Morgan caught this awful flu bug just days before they were scheduled to leave on their much anticipated New Zealand vacation.

Good news:  The medicines worked and they are well enough to travel.  Please pray for strong bodies, great adventures, and safe travel.

My new kitchen

Good news:  We bought a second home on the lake at Dobson Ranch.  It is perfectly situation between our kids’ homes and the community offers plenty of water fun for the grandchildren.  Our plan is to spend half of each week in this home so that Mike can begin to grow the ministry in downtown Phoenix.  For me, it’s the Gramma’s house I’ve always dreamed of having.

Sad news:  The appraisal on the house came in much higher than we hoped.  It seems we always have to pay top dollar.  But then again, it’s all God’s money and if He wants to give extra to the seller then who am I to argue.

Good news:  I aced the heart scan!  Yes, after being told I showed signs of heart disease, I settled the matter at the AZ Heart Institute.  With a grateful heart, I can report a perfect score for a healthy heart.

Sad news:  Our son-in-law Dustin has been ill for some months.  He’s lost 25 pounds since November and can’t recover from pneumonia.  These red flags convinced everyone it was time for more testing.  The PET scan showed 90% change he has lymphoma.  Our hearts are sad.  We never want our children to be sick.  He will have a biopsy on Monday to determine the exact type and stage, if it is indeed cancer.

Good news:  We serve a good and loving Heavenly Father who has promised to care for our every need   Dustin is a young man of strong faith which we know God will refine to purest form during this trial.  Their marriage is strong and blessed with little Eli.  We now have a home near them to be of service if needed.

I wake every day singing and praying:  “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.  Little ones to Him belong.  They are weak but He is strong.”

 

My Strong Lord and Savior, we feel weak and out of control right now but I KNOW this is the perfect place to see Your mighty hand move in miraculous ways.  Show us Your glory as we rest in Your love. 

Good news:  He heard and He answered.

I thought you might enjoy a few recent pictures of Eli.

holding tight to his Valentine balloon 

too tired to play

Waiting for Winnie the Pooh

picnic with Gramma

Keep it simple

Question: “What’s the first thing that goes through a bug’s head when it hits the windshield?”

Answer:  “It’s butt.”

Okay, forgive my crude humor but I bet you snickered.

The first time I was asked that question, I started analyzing an answer.  I assumed the bug would be human and have fear of death, or sadness for leaving loved ones, or higher thinking skills to try evasive measures.

When given the punch line, I laughed.  It was a good ‘gotcha’ moment for my friend and it taught me yet another lesson.

Don’t always overthink things.  God keeps things simple so even a child can obey.

So now let me ask, “What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘worship’?”

Don’t overthink.

Did any of these words pop into your head?

Church, Christians, traditional, contemporary, choruses, hymns, praise band, musical instruments.

These are the most common synonyms to worship.

But maybe you are more poetic by nature and these images formed in your mind.

Sunrise, sunset, rainbow, rushing waters, ocean breezes, baby’s laughter,

Though all or some of those things may help you in worship, there is only one word synonymous with worship.

God

The only component necessary for true worship is God.  When The Almighty is present every responsive heart will worship.

Too often believers argue about worship style.  One group loves the hymns of old while another group can only ‘worship’ with modern choruses.  Many churches try to offer both to appease the desires of the people.  These churches are destined to inhibit worship.

Yes, I truly meant to say that church leaders with intent on making people happy have instantly squashed any hope of true worship.  Sadly they don’t even know it.  In these churches everyone leaves humming their favorite tunes, satisfied that their needs were met, and therefore assume that true worship transpired.

But scripture teaches that worship is a response to God.  Therefore without God’s presence there is no worship.  So you say, well God is always at my church.  God is always in my heart.  God meets me everyday when I have my devotions.  Oh how I hope that is true.

But for most, it is not.

In the coming weeks, I will share scriptural examples of worship, how to know God is in your presence, how to prepare our hearts to respond to Him, and the effects of true worship in our lives.  Along the way, I hope we’ll learn the mistakes we make to hinder His presence.  In other words, I hope we’ll learn to quickly discern false worship.

To a believer, worship is paramount.

True worship is a sign that God is truly in our midst.