Worship

Scripture

I’m not sure I’ve bought many clothes from an actual “brick-and-mortar” store in a while. I’m all about online shipping these days! It’s easier, I have a wider variety of options available to me and I don’t have to get off the couch to click “purchase!” Unfortunately, online shopping has one massive con. You can zoom in and read the description as many times as you want, but you don’t really know what you’re getting until it arrives at the front door. 

When I was pregnant I bought some very comfortable pants from Amazon. They were a dream. Soft, stretchy, and big enough to hold my growing baby bump! I wore them as soon as they arrived and thought I’d hit the jackpot. I didn’t think twice when I  put them in the washing machine for the first time. To my dismay, they came out looking very different. I’ll never know what went wrong, but the washing machine ate them up! All that was left was a war-torn rag. Unwearable. Useless. 

I find it so relatable when God uses clothing to connect to his people! When a belt once worn in a helpful way is left to rot, God says “These wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words, who follow the stubbornness of their hearts and go after other gods to serve and worship them, will be like this belt—completely useless!” 

It may seem like an odd metaphor at first glance. What does a belt have to do with idol worship anyway? It comes down to its purpose. A belt is created for function. It’s not simply made to adorn its owner but to bind a garment to the body. It was created to serve as a means of holding things together. 

Similarly, our obedience to God keeps us bound to His will and allows us to abide in His strength and favor. When we let our worship rot away, we miss out on what we were created to do. Our purpose is lost and what was once holding us in unity with our Father, falls into disrepair and leaves us vulnerable. God knows the benefit of our relationship with Him! He also knows the tragedy of our separation. He calls us to hold strong and not forsake our primary function; worshiping Him.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Consider it a privilege that we get to be ambassadors for the Lord. The way that we carry ourselves and communicate should be a reflection of who God is. Thank him for bestowing that honor on you 

ASK GOD

Ephesians 6:18-20

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ask God with perseverance. Knowing that when you knock on the door he listens. 

SUBMIT TO GOD

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The process of our minds being renewed is one of submission to God. Often we believe we know what is best for us, but let God’s word and His Spirit lead you to a place of transformation. 

CLOSING PRAYER

God, as I surrender to You fully. I don’t want anything to hold me back from the fruit You have available to me. Today I offer each and every area of my life to You, even the ones I’ve held onto in the past. Your ways are higher than mine and I can trust You with everything.  In Jesus Name, Amen.