PDL 10 – The Heart of Worship

“So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.” Romans 12:1 GNT

Day 10 of 40: Surrender, offering, sacrifice are at the heart of worship. Fear, pride and confusion prevent the surrender that God wants from us.

Love overcomes fear.
Humility overcomes pride.
Obedience overcomes confusion.

I really don’t have to understand what’s going on in my life right now… but I do need to trust in God’s love for me; admit my limitations; and rely on God to work things out.

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” Psalm 37:7 NLT

This is a recurring theme in my reflections… I think it’s time for me to “sit down and shut up.”

Morning Reading: Job 19.25 NLT

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.” Job 19:25 NLT

Evening Reading: Psalm 69:30-31 NLT

“I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30 NLT

Pray for the Maldives Church

April 28 | Maldives

Worshiping God is forbidden in Maldives and believers doing so, albeit inconspicuously, are easily reported to authorities. When suspicious of Christian activities, neighbors themselves leak information to authorities.

Pray for the protection of believers and for the Lord to give them ideas on how to pray and worship without raising suspicion from their community.

“The LORD protects and preserves them — they are counted among the blessed in the land — he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.” (Ps. 41:2)

PDL 9 – What makes God smile?

“Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live.” Psalm 119.135 MSG

Day 9 of 40: Using Noah as an example, five things give God pleasure (make God smile) – loving Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, praising/thanking Him, and using the abilities He gave us.

“Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.” Ephesians 5.10 MSG

The area that I need to work on is “trusting God completely.”

Warren says: “Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and do the impossible when necessary.”

Again, Noah is the example of a person who trusted God even when the task assigned him appeared foolish, took forever, and was nearly impossible.

But my issue is a little different. It’s not about doing something… it’s about NOT doing anything – which appears foolish, is taking forever, and is nearly impossible for me.

I seem to be in the “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46.10) mode… and that’s not easy for me. I’m feeling more like Abraham these days – trying to make God’s promises happen, rather than waiting / trusting God to deliver on them.

Is God smiling on my restlessness? I don’t know… but, if so, it’s an Oh-you-of-little-faith kind of smile. And, at least that’s something.