PULSE #12 - The Verdict

Well, we've come to the last week in our small group series...PULSE. I thought the title for this week's lesson was very clever. Simply put, "The Verdict". After week's & week's of scouring God's word for what it truly means to be a worshipper, have we come to a conclusion, a verdict?

Before starting this post I took a trip into cyberspace looking for an image that could sum up my journey. It didn't take long before I came across this strange photoshopped piece, and honestly, it spoke exactly what I'm feeling. Over the course of this study, my eyes have been completely opened up to a whole new world!

Through the study of God's Word, Lamar's teaching & some great open discussions with friends, I have discovered that though we may never fully grasp the worship of heaven until we get there, many of its mysteries have not only been revealed to me, but are actually attainable.

The bottom line is this, worship is not something that we do, but rather something that we are. Think on that a bit. You know the old saying, you are what you eat. As silly as that statement is, it actually has some relevance to where I'm going. Now, while I'm not saying that you will become God if you are worshipping Him. I am saying that one can only become a true worshipper when you spend most of your time worshipping. True worshippers don't just worship on Sunday mornings; they worship all day, every day & in every circumstance!

As believers & followers of Christ, our sole responsibilities are to please God & do what He expects of us...RIGHT? Do we really believe this? Are we really living it out? If so, why should we worship God in all that we do (not just a set aside moment)? Two reasons; He created us & He saved us! Just as a parent is pleased when their children express appreciation for something, so our Father in heaven is pleased with our appreciation. Our vertical worship is not only required of us, but it is needed to sustain a meaningful relationship with our creator & Savior. In short, WE ARE SUCKING AIR BECAUSE OF HIS MERCY & GRACE! There's not enough thanks in the world to fully show our gratitude! At least not this world.

Also, true, worshippers are contagious. People may not always voice their feelings, but secretly a true worshipper is admired for their abandon. FBC is a great example! Over the course of many years, people are slowly but surely giving themselves over to obedience in worship. I'm convinced that has happened because of the genuineness of worshippers rubbing off on others. Let's face it, with all the sickness going around these days, this is one thing that we should all hope to catch!

Check out this familiar verse in Luke:

"...Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind..."
-Luke 10:27

Notice the order in which it is stated; heart...soul...strength...mind. Let's break these down a bit.

HEART - excessive, extravagant...everything
SOUL - deep passion & emotion...inner most being
STRENGTH - full bodied, not weak or half-hearted
MIND - focused, not easily distracted

So, what's the verdict in your life, are you a true worshipper? Are you striving to be one? Have your eyes been opened to a new world? I hope & pray that you have received a new revelation into true worship over these last 14 weeks or so. I have really enjoyed taking these teachings and opening them up for you. In the weeks to come I hope to begin a new series. Until then...

Love God & Love People...WHOLEHEARTEDLY!