Worship

Scripture

When I was a kid, I thought a dollar was a fortune! A dollar was a trip to the vending machine, it was a hot wheel car, it was a full bag of penny candy at the corner store! In my limited understanding, a dollar really was a ton of money and I’d do just about anything to get my hands on a cold, crisp bill. It wasn’t just the piece of paper, it was what I knew I could “exchange” for that piece of paper that brought it value.

There is a common misconception in Christianity; that our walk with the Lord comes for free. Yes, the blood of Jesus is a free gift to receive but the act of truly committing our lives to honor God requires just that; our lives. It may seem like a steep price upfront, but what we receive in return is far greater. 

Philippians 3:8 says, “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” The word is clear. If we “value” Jesus, a sacrifice of ourselves will naturally follow because of the “surpassing worth” of what we receive in exchange. 

David understood this concept even in the midst of chaos. His selfish actions have led him to massive consequences as we find him in 1 Chronicles 21. David is preparing to make an offering but in order for this to truly attribute value to God, David insists on paying for the offering. He is showing “worth” to God by exchanging value. 

We must understand as we walk with Christ, the price we are willing to pay will be directly related to how much “worth” we see in Jesus. When Jesus is worth everything, it’s no longer too much of an inconvenience to wake up early to meet with Him, it’s no longer too embarrassing to lift my hands to Him in worship, it’s no longer too awkward to bring him up in conversation. These all become a small price in comparison to what I know I receive in return; absolutely everything.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be a permanent covenant with them. I will establish and multiply them and will set my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Ezekiel 37:26-27

What an honor it is that we are permanently at peace with God and that He has chosen us as His people and His dwelling place.

ASK GOD

Give us today our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11

Picture God extending His hands towards you.

What are you concerned about that needs to be placed in His hands? What is the “bread” you need from Him? Ask Him.

SUBMIT TO GOD

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:12-13

Imagine yourself entering a dark room, with a person in front of you, holding a flashlight, leading you. That’s what God does. As He leads you, tell Him how you desire to follow Him.

CLOSING PRAYER 

God, thank You for speaking to me! I will trust what You ask me to do, even when I don’t understand the reasons why. I don’t always need the answers, I just need You.  In Jesus Name, Amen.