Guideline for True Worship

Through christ a believer has access to the throne room of God, as I understand it to be. John 4:24 tells us how worship is to be.

"God is Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

How is that? God is a spirit, so physical things, items, etc., will not be a part of it. He does not recognize those things physical. So, how is it? That which is of our spirit must enter into the worship. Genesis 2:7 says, "God ....breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." The original King James text says, "a living soul". Then, I Corintinans 6:17 says, "but he who is jointed to the Lord is one spirit with Him."

Somewhere there, deep within our inner being, is where worship is accomplished, I think.

Okay, then, what about this "in truth" part? Think on it. The worship is directed to God, therefore, anything that is part of it must be in that direction. That is, it must be true to that motive and purpose; it cannot be self-serving. It must be free of all self-centeredness, or it is not with singleness of heart and mind toward God, the object of worship.

Worship is somewhat a loose term in our culture, that is, superficial and without depth. I think John 4:24 gives us something to ponder that can make a difference in our lives.

Gene Lawley

Entering the New Year

New year's resolutions are the thing at this time of the season. But, my prayer is that I might be submissive and pleasing to the Lord, day by day.

A couple of verses have surfaced in my mind the last few days that seem to underline my thoughts into the new year: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

I interpret "ways" there as not just paths, as such, but attitudes and motives, too, for those are the beginnings of our directions. It is a lot like Psalm 37:4--"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

What a marvelous thoght for anyone who desires to be pleasing to the Lord and submissive in all his ways.

Looking forward with great expectations,

Gene Lawley