"The Heart of Worship"

The Heart of Worship is Surrender. We give ourselves to God, not out of fear or duty, but in love, “because he first loved us.”

After spending eleven chapters of the book of Romans explaining God's incredible grace to us, Poaul urges us to fully surrender our lives to God in Worship. Romans 12:1

True Worship – bringing God pleasure – happens when we give ourselves completely to God.

Three Things Block our Surrender.

1. fear – We overcome fear through trusting God and learning that he loves us. Love casts out all fear.
2. Pride – We don't like to admit that we are just creatures and not in charge of everything. The oldest temptation” “You will be like God” We desire to have complete control.
3. Confusion – We are confused in thinking that surrender is passive. God often calls surrendered people to battle for Him. It is far from passive.

The best way to live.

Everybody eventually surrenders to something or someone. If not to God, you will surrender to the opinions or expectations of others, to money, to resentment, to fear, or to your own pride, lusts, or ego.

Point to Ponder

The heart of worship is surrender.

Verse to Remember

“Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.”

--Romans 6:13

Question to Think About

What area of my life am I holding back from God?

The Hug Poem

Tonight in the CREW 456 room we had something a little different.  After our normal worship service I performed Bradley Hathaway's "The Hug Poem" and we followed it with a time of prayer in three groups.  At the end of the night we prayed for Blake as a group.  I found the night to be filled with touches from God.  I hope the kids got as much out of it as the staff did.

What Makes God Smile

The smile of God is the main goal of your life.

• Ephesians 5:10

So how do we find out. By the example of Noah:

• Genesis 6:8 – Noah was a pleasure to the Lord
• Genesis 6:9 – Noah loved God.

When we love him supremely

“God made you to love you, and he longs for you to love him back.”

• Hosea 6:6 – God wants a relationship over sacrifices.
• Matthew 22:37-38 – Love God with all your heart.

When we trust him completely – FAITH

“Trusting God completely means having faith that he knows what is est for your life.”

• Hebrews 11:7 – Noah acted in faith.
• Genesis 2:5-6 – Noah never saw rain before the flood.
• Psalm 147:11 – God takes pleasure in those who honor him.
• Hebrews 11:6 – We cannot please God without faith.

When we obey him with our whole heart.

“Every parent knows that delayed obedience is really disobedience.”

“Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussion”

“Wholehearted Obedience is done joyfully, with enthusiasm.”

• Genesis 6:22 – Noah did everything exactly as God commanded.
• Psalm 100:2 – obey Gladly
• Psalm 119:33 – David has the same attitude.
• James 2:24 – We please God by what we do,
• John 14:15 – If we love him we obey him.

When we praise and thank him continually.

“Worship works both ways. We enjoy what God has bdon for us, and when we express that enjoyment to God, it brings him joy – but it also increases our joy.”

• Genesis 8:20 – Noah offered a sacrifice of praise.
• Hebrews 13:15 – the sacrifice of praise
• Psalm 116:17 – the sacrifice of thanksgiving
• Psalm 69:30-31 – David praised God in Song
• Psalm 68:3 – The righteous are Glad and rejoice.

When we use our abilities.

“Every human activity, except sin, can be done for God's pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise.”

“God especially enjoys watching you use your talents.”

• Genesis 9:1-3 – Be yourself, do what God designed you for.
• Psalm 37:23 – He delights in every detail of your life.
• Psalm 33:15 – He shaped us each, and now watches everything we do.
• Isaish 45:9 – Don't ask why?
• 1 Timothy 6:17 – God gives us everything to enjoy.
• Psalm 103:14 – He knows what to expect from us.
• 2 Corinthians 5:9 – Paul's goal was to please God
• Psalm 14:2 – God is looking for us to please him.

Point to Ponder

God smiles when I trust Him.

Verse to Remember

“The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust in his love.” – Psalm 147:11

Question to Think About

Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?