Chapter 10 - The Heart of Worship

"Give yourselves to God ... Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes." Romans 6:13

As the PDL points out, today's competitive culture teaches us to never give up, never give in - so we really don't hear much about surrendering. As this Scripture tells us, surrender is the at the very heart of worship. It's our greatest gift to Jesus. Often it is very hard to yield our lives but is a natural response to God's amazing love and mercy. Our relationship revolves around the greatest sacrifice of all - Jesus Christ. His love is so big that he gave his son to die a brutal death that saved us from our sins. I know it's hard to grasp this type of love but that is why surrender is the perfect response.

When we surrender we trust God and admit our frail humanity. As I type that line it sounds so passive and weak ... but surrender in NOT for cowards or doormats. It is probably the very hardest thing to do in our Christian walk. We will have to deal with three challenging areas: fear, pride and confusion. As we surrender each area of our lives, we will be filled with His hope, His faith and His purpose. It's a daily habit of keeping Jesus on the throne and not us.

What areas of my life are holding me back? I personally have many .... let's look at them reflectively and surrender them. Be blessed today!

Chapter 9- What Makes God Smile?

It sounds so simple. What makes you smile? A memory? a pet? a song? a hug? a kiss? It only takes a tiny little thing to make us smile, right? Well, it's the same with God. All it takes to make him smile is one simple thing- just do what he tells you to do, wholeheartedly.

Hummm, simple... but not necessarily easy; don't be discouraged though, it can be done! Look at Noah, he did it. Do you think it was easy for him to build an ark? No, I can't imagine anyone would consider that an easy task. He simply did what God told him to do. I can't help but think that Noah did find it "simple" to do what God told him though. Think about it, he worked on this day in and day out for 120 years. How much procrastinating can you do in 120 years? Apparently he didn't put it off even one day. He just did what he was told.

The book went through Noah's story pretty well and it talked about more specifics on how we can make God smile. Things like following the first commandment ('to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength'), trusting God completely (like Noah did when he 'built an ark' in his front yard), obeying him wholeheartedly (partial obedience is disobedience), praising and thanking God continually, and using our God-given abilities. I imagine that Noah was using abilities that he didn't realize he had. How proud God must have been as he watched Noah following each and every detail exactly as he was instructed- every day for 120 years.

There really is so much to be learned from Noah. Debbie K has an awesome devotional teaching (and song) called "Noah's Rainbow" that she's been sharing with women's ministry groups. It covers the entire story of Noah and how his obedience and faith saved not only his family, but the entire human race. God was so disgusted with the world that he was just going to wipe everybody out...but there was Noah, and he "found favor in the eyes of the Lord". (Genesis 6:8) What a relief that is! See otherwise, we'd all be martians...and I don't know about you, but green does not look good on me!

Here's a video clip of Deb in action- for those of you who haven't seen it on her myspace page yet. After you watch, be sure to email her and ask how her newest devotional (on Jochebed) is coming along. You can visit Deb's website, myspace, or email us if you'd like more information on booking her to speak at your event.

Glimpse of "Noah's Rainbow"

Chapter 8 - Planned for God's Pleasure

Here is the important message of this chapter...anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship. Worship is far more than music, worship is a lifestyle.

As a singer and "worship leader" myself, we can't exclude parts of our church service as though the music is the only "worship" segment of the service. Every part of a church service is an act of worship: praying, Scripture reading, singing, communion, giving and the sermon. I know we all know this but the contemporary church has lost some of it's reverent traditions over the last couple decades. I think worship has been somewhat characterized to a segment in church. In the Bible, the Psalms talk about "worshipping him continually." There you go!

So, as the PDL talks about pleasure here are some points to ponder:

1. Bringing pleasure to God is called "worship"

2. "Worship" is far more than music

3. "Worship" is not for your benefit

Every activity can be transformed into an act of "worship" when we do it for the praise, glory and pleasure of God. Let's try to live our lives as a lifestyle of worship for Jesus everyday. Some days will be harder than others ... but that is true "worship." Can I get an Amen from anyone out there?

Chapter 7- The Reason for Everything

"You are worthy our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." ~Revelation 4:11

How many were surprised to find that God's Glory is the reason for everything?


Because everything is for God's Glory, we have to ask ourselves 'How do I bring glory to God?' This chapter specifically names such things as worship, loving others, striving to become like Christ, sharing our talents with others, and telling others about God. If you take just a few minutes to really put some thought behind these items, what do you learn about yourself? Are you doing everything you can to fulfill your purpose?

Are you ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? to pray the "Save Me" prayer? to turn your life over to God and REALLY live for Him?

God will give you what you need once you make the choice to live for him. You have to believe that. I often find myself praying that my faith is strong enough to guide me when Satan and my own imperfection blinds my path. I don't know what God's purpose is for my life, but I have made the decision to listen when God calls.

I'd like to offer a "Save Me" prayer for any who feel inclined to pray with me. "Jesus I believe in you and I receive you as Lord and Savior. Thank you Jesus for dying a painful death for my salvation. Walk with me through this earthly life, even when I forget how much I need you. Help me work for the Glory of God and remember me Lord." Amen.