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PreparationTrue Worship
by J. Ross Greer of The Place of Grace Ministries (about the ministry)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from J. Ross Greer, be sure to subscribe to his daily e-mail list A Word For The Church.]
1Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” 3So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.
How do we prepare ourselves for worship? Often Sunday mornings are a madhouse. Mom and Dad are rushing and arguing. The children whine and take forever getting ready. Not a scene that one would think would produce a worshipful spirit in church. Oh, and do not forget the trip to church. The arguments continue, but as we exit our vehicle, we all paint the joy of the Lord on our angelic-looking faces.
When Abraham is called to worship, it seems that he knows exactly what God expects, and immediately goes about to prepare for His encounter with God. By the way, that is exactly what worship is – an encounter with God Almighty at His request.
So, what can we do to prepare ourselves for worship? First, worship God every day. Worship is not a Sunday-only activity. Spend time reading His Word and communicating with Him in prayer. Worship truly is a 24/7 activity.
Practically, though, for Sunday, we should prepare on Saturday evenings. Prepare our clothes. Plan Sunday dinner. Go to bed early enough to be well rested. Rise early enough to enjoy a good breakfast as a family. Leave early enough for church to be early for Sunday School. In other words, prepare to give God your best.
That is the bottom line, is it not? God deserves our best in worship. When we plan and prepare to give Him our best, then He receives what He is due. When we give our best, then we encourage others around us to do the same. When we corporately give our best, then the seekers in our midst will see that the worship of God is important to us, and will begin to consider their own relationship with Him. Unfortunately, not enough of us care to give God the very best, so the lost never see God being high and lifted up among us, and therefore, are not drawn to Him. How sad!
Copyright 2002, The Place of Grace Ministries. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About The Place of Grace Ministries: In 1992, God interrupted the well-organized life of J. Ross Greer through a study called "Experiencing God". This encounter birthed a passionate vision for local churches that has become The Place of Grace Ministries. Through teaching, music, and writing, we call believers to return to the basic principles of God's Word and participate in the work of God. For questions or scheduling information, please contact us at: theplaceofgrace@att.net Or visit our web site at: http://home.att.net/~theplaceofgrace/theplaceofgrace.html |
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