March 31 | Finding Joy in His Presence

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 16:11, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Lesson 31 | Finding Joy in His Presence

What are some of the things you like to do in your free time?  Some people like to read books, others like to have outdoor adventures, others like spending time with their close friends and family, some play or watch sports… why?  All of us are longing for joy and pleasure in this life.

Some people become addicted to harmful things like drugs, money, sex, power, and adrenaline because what they find in this world is never enough to satisfy their inner hunger for pleasure.  Still others become depressed and self- destructive because they see life as an endless cycle of pain and let downs not worth the energy it takes to find an ounce of joy because it seems to evaporate quicker than its found.

Have you ever noticed how easily we as humans become bored nowadays?  Children in the 50’s used to listen to the radio and play with cowboys and Indians and were fully engaged.  However, today’s teens because of technology have the ability to learn more about the world than all the past printed encyclopedias, have better game play then the flight simulators the astronauts practiced with for the moon landing, and more connections to more people instantly around the world, however, it never is enough- kids today still are bored… why?

The answer to the bored teenager is the same as the burned out businessman who has all the toys money can buy but is still empty… we were made to be satisfied only in God’s presence.  Someone once said we all have a God shaped hole in all of us that only God fill. 

David knew this reality in his time because he witnessed the fleeting of earthly pleasures.  He was a powerful king, a great warrior, and a handsome man- however, he wrote in the above passage that only God could give him the path to life, fill him with joy unending, and give him eternal pleasures.  And he said all those great things came from God’s presence.  David then discovered that the best way to encounter God’s presence was with praise and worship, hence his passion to write and sing songs to God.

In response to God’s greatness and man’s emptiness everyone needs to worship God.  When you worship God with the right motives and heart, He will reward you and bless you in ways this world cannot compare with it!  

Start today to find your joy and the fullness of pleasure in the presence of God!

Reflection | Are you passionate about the presence of God? 

Action | (1) Repent of any things that distract you from being in God’s presence. (2) Make time everyday to be in God’s presence through worship.  (3) Lastly, daily enjoy the presence of God.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20, Luke 9:7-27, Psalm 72:1-20, &Proverbs 12:8-9. Click here to read online.

March 30 | Worshipping in Heaven

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Revelation 4:10-11, “…the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Lesson 30 | Worshipping in Heaven

Take a few moments if you can to close your eyes and imagine the scene that John is depicting in the verses noted above…  John is describing what heaven looks like right now!  There are angels worshipping God along with the 24 elders and the saints of past and present.

They are all focused on the throne and giving praise and worship to God.  At some point John records that this will stop as Jesus comes to judge the earth and set up His eternal Kingdom in Jerusalem.  However, once the Kingdom is fully established upon the earth His throne will still be the center of praise and worship as the Holy Spirit flows like a mighty river from the midst of it, Revelation 21-22.

Therefore, from eternity past, now in the present, and eternity in the future to come everything around the throne is worshipping God.  Do you want to join with them now?  You can!  As we started this series with John 4 Jesus taught that God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth- these are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.  As a result, you don’t have to be on a quest looking for God or try to catch a comet to heaven.  Just stop whatever you are doing right now and start worshiping God as described in this series and God will come to you!

And one day when you take off the tent of your earthly body and put on the body of immortality you will forever worship God in His presence with pleasures forever more, Psalm 16:11.  Remember, everyone will eventually worship Jesus, some even damned to hell, however, the blessing of God’s eternal joy is only for those who willing do it now!

Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness, join with all of heaven, and give Him the Glory His deserves!  Worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! 

Reflection | Do you want to join with heaven and worship God? 

Action | (1) Find your joy and pleasure in worshipping God. (2) Try to make time everyday worshipping God.  (3) Lastly, remember to think about heaven and one day being with God face to face forever more.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23, Luke 8:40-9:6, Psalm 71:1-24 & Proverbs 12:5-7. Click here to read online.

March 29 | Worshipping the Holy Spirit

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Lesson 29 | Worshipping the Holy Spirit

The Bible makes it very clear from beginning to end that the Holy Spirit is not just a force or a projection of the Father and Son, but rather is an individual person with a unique personality (Acts 5:3) and is in very nature divine, 2 Corinthians 3:17. 

David declared in Psalm 139:7-20 that the Holy Spirit has the divine attribute of being ever-present.  The Holy Sprit is attributed as being all-knowing by Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11.  He is also seen as being all-powerful because He is the creative power behind such things as the creation of the universe (Gen. 1:2) and the virgin birth of Jesus, Luke 1:35. 

The writer of Hebrews declares Him to be eternal in Hebrews 9:14, which means He has no beginning or end.  Lastly, He is continually referred to in the beginning and ending of the epistles with the same status as the Father and the Son.  For example Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 13:14,“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

David declares in Psalm 18:3 that the Lord (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit according to Matthew 28:19) is worthy of worship.  Therefore, since the Holy Spirit is considered to be our Lord and have the same divine attributes as the Father and the Son (all-knowing, ever-present, all-powerful, eternal, etc.) He is also worthy of our worship.

Therefore, worship the Holy Spirit with the same kind of worship you would give the Father and Son but remember like with the Father, the Holy Spirit draws all people to glory in the person of Christ.  For Jesus said in John 16:14, “He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.”  Thus, the best way to worship the Holy Spirit is to worship Jesus by His leading and guidance.

Reflection | Do you believe the Holy Spirit is a person, equal to the Father and Son? 

Action | (1) Repent of any false understandings of the Holy Spirit you may have had.  (2) Worship the Holy Spirit with the different kinds of praise.  (3) Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself more to you each day. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32, Luke 8:22-39, Psalm 70:1-5, &Proverbs 12:4. Click here to read online.

March 28 | Worshipping the Son

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Revelation 5:13, “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Lesson 28 | Worshipping the Son

One of the main reasons the Jews wanted to crucify Jesus was because He made Himself equal to God, John 5:18.  However, John stated in his introduction to his gospel that Jesus wasn’t a man trying to become a god, but rather Jesus was God who became a man.  Jesus had eternally existed as the eternal Word- being in His very nature God and He came in the flesh so that He might save mankind by His willing sacrifice on the cross, John 1:1,14,18.

Therefore, when He walked the earth as a man, He being in the very nature God, still was worthy of worship and adoration.  People fell at His feet and declared Him their God (John 20:28), He performed deeds that only God could do- such as forgive men’s sins (Luke 5:23-24), and He called Himself by a title reserved only for God, “I am,” John 8:58. 

Paul said of Jesus that He is the “very image of God” (Col. 1:15), “possessing full deity” (Col. 1:19), and is our “great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13).  However, Jesus is not only found receiving worship in the New Covenant, but also in the Old Covenant by such people as Abraham on the plains of Mamre in Genesis 18 by being identified as the “Lord,” by Daniel in Daniel 7:14 as the “Son of Man” receiving worship from every tribe and tongue, and even by Moses at the burning bush appearing as the “Angel (Messenger) of the Lord,” Exodus 3:2.  

Therefore, it is no surprise to read in the above passage after John sees the throne of God in heaven that the Lamb (Jesus) is also receiving the same worship and adoration as the Father. 

Make time each day to give Jesus worship and honor for who He is (God) and for all He has done (Savior).

Reflection | Do you worship Jesus as your God? 

Action | (1) Be certain that you have the right doctrines and beliefs concerning Jesus- He is not merely a man or a prophet- He is God in the flesh. (2) Worship Jesus with all the different kinds of praise. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22, Luke 8:4-21, Psalm 69:19-36, &Proverbs 12:2-3. Click here to read online.

March 27 | Worshipping the Father

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Philippians 2:11, “… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Lesson 27 | Worshipping the Father

God’s nature is composed of three separate co-eternal persons that share the same divine substance known as the tri-unity or trinity.  God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  There are not three separate gods acting as one being or three persons of god each having 1/3 of divinity and together making one god.  There is only one being which is called God and He is triune in His nature.    The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are each 100% divine and one in nature yet separate in personality and function. 

Jesus taught the tri-unity of God’s nature in Matthew 28:19b in regards to the baptism formula.  He said, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”therefore, there is only one name and authority for God yet this name and authority is shared by three unique persons- the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible declares that God the Father is worthy of praise and worship, Matt. 6:9, 2 Cor. 1:3, & Rev. 1:6.  However, it wasn’t until God the Son came and revealed Him that we were able to truly understand who He is, John 1;18.  Jesus taught that the Father is a Spirit (John 4:24) and that no one has even seen Him because He dwells in unapproachable light (john 1:18).  Thus the only way to truly honor and worship the Father in the New Covenant is through Jesus Christ.

Jesus declared in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  As a result you can only worship the Father by accepting His Son Jesus.  After you have accepted Jesus, the Father desires that all glory for Him to go through Jesus, John 17:10.

Therefore, you can worship the Father by saying things like the following, “Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus and worship you as the source of all things good and the sustainer of life.  I honor and hollow your name by living for you and obeying all that you have commanded through your Son Jesus.” 

Also, Paul declares that through Jesus you have been adopted into the Father’s family and can call God by the more intimate name in Aramaic, “Abba,” which means, “Daddy” in English, Galatians 4:6.  Therefore, make time everyday to worship and glorify the Father through Jesus Christ. 

Reflection | Do make time everyday to worship the Father?

Action | (1) Always come to the Father through Jesus. (2) Offer all the different kinds of praise and worship to the Father in Jesus’ name. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20, Luke 7:36-8:3, Psalm 69:1-18, &Proverbs 12:1. Click here to read online.

March 26 | Shabach, to Worship with Shouts of Praise

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 117:1, “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.”

Lesson 26 | Shabach, to Worship with Shouts of Praise

Bravo to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  Well done my God, your deeds are worthy of celebration!  In the above psalm the first kind of praise mentioned is “halel,” which means to “celebrate,” and the second is shabach (extol), which means to “congratulate with joy and excitement.”  Therefore, the psalmist is teaching us to celebrate God by shouting “Hallelujah” and to “shabach” (extol) Him by congratulating Him on all He has done in our lives and upon the earth! 

The minor difference between “halal” (praise) and “shabach” (extol) is halal is simply being happy and celebrating God’s goodness, whereas to shabach means to applaud and give God honor for specific things He has accomplished.

We are made in the image of God thus we love to be complimented and affirmed when we do something right.  God, on the other hand, doesn’t need our compliments or affirmations but He does desire them for us to show Him our appreciation and express our love. By doing so we avoid the sins of greed, selfishness, pride, and self-pity and thus display our total satisfaction and awe we have of the goodness of God.

As a result, congratulating and applauding God with shouts of joy is a duty we should willing do because God is absolutely deserving of all the compliments and applause.  Just imagine if you were in a major city when the troops came back home victorious after WWII, wouldn’t you be so excited to celebrate the victory our forces had over the Axis of Evil rooted in Hitler’s wicked Nazi Army?  Also, imagine the excitement people had in Chicago when Michael Jordon won the NBA championship for the 6^th time in his career- if you were a Chicagoan into basketball, wouldn’t you be thrilled? 

Now consider these great victories in comparison to Jesus defeating death, hell, and the grave to purchase your eternal salvation!  Can you even imagine anything more important or glorious?  Of course not!  Therefore, next time you are in church or have the chance- stand to your feet and offer the best applause and shout of joy you can give your conquering King for all He has done!  Give God your best shabach! 

   
Reflection | Do you believe Jesus deserves your highest praise and exaltation? 

Action | (1) Repent if you have been more excited about the victories in this world than you have been about Jesus conquering your sin. (2) Celebrate and extol Jesus for all He has done. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25, Luke 7:11-35, Psalm 68:19-35, &Proverbs 11:29-31. Click here to read online.

March 25 | Zamar, to Worship with Instruments

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 57:7 (NASB), “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!”

Lesson 25 | Zamar, to Worship with Instruments

Have you ever noticed how everyone loves music?  Its like food, everyone likes it but it comes in many different flavors.  For example, what is your favorite instrument?  What is your favorite style of music… pop, adult contemporary, hip hop, rock, heavy metal, dance, or something else?  Who are you favorite singers?  What is your favorite song?  What kind of music do like to listen when your sad, happy, or adventurous?  There is no doubt that music plays a big part of all of our lives. 

David in the above Psalm uses the word “zamar” for praise, which literally means, “to praise God with music.”  Thus, David is describing a kind of praise that involves someone singing over the accompaniment of musical instruments.  In other words, David was saying, “I will sing praises like Bono over a rock band for my God!”

Of course, God doesn’t expect everyone to learn a new instrument to perform “zamar,” but you can do this kind of praise by using the two instruments God already gave you- clapping your hands!  Next time you hear a great praise song you can clap your hands to the beat (or the best you can).  And if that's too hard you can try to tap your foot to the rhythm!  Either way, praise and worship songs should be apart of your music library and listened to.

Plus, learning an instrument is just like anything else, anyone can do it with time, practice, and dedication.  Maybe your church could use in the worship band?  Or you could be the worship leader for your house!  Either way, take some time today and put on your favorite praise song and play your instrument with it!    

  
Reflection | What kind of praise and worship music do you like the best? 

Action | (1) Buy some new praise music for your library- try Jesus Culture, Hillsong, United Live, United Pursuit Band, or IHOP (they also have free songs online).  (2) Take some time today to rock out for Jesus!  (3) Lastly, while the music plays sing and clap to the song to worship God! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 4:1-49, Luke 6:39-7:10, Psalm 68:1-18, &Proverbs 11:28. Click here to read online.

March 24 | Todah, to Worship God with Thanksgiving

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 50:14, “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.”

Lesson 24 | Todah, to Worship God with Thanksgiving

Have you ever thought about all the things in your life you have to be thankful to God for?  When was the last time you tried to “count” all your blessings?  I will take the next few sentences to give you an example of my thanksgiving to God.

God, I am thankful for my parents and how they brought me up in your ways.  I am thankful for your protection over my life in the days I was living without you.  Thank you for your mercy and grace that saved my on November 5^th, 1995.  I am so thankful that you set me free from drugs, perversion, violence, depression, and selfish ambition.  Thank you for giving me the chance to go to Bible College and be trained for the ministry.

Thank you for placing me into ministry, giving me a great calling to start churches, and the ability to lead your people.  Thank you for my wife and her parents that raised her in your Word.  Thank you for the last eight years of marriage and the three children you have given us.  Thank you for each of my children’s health, personality, and uniqueness.  Thank you for the church I now pastor, the people who serve with me, and the disciples that are made daily.

Thank you for the cross that bought my salvation, the Holy Spirit that makes me new and abides with me forever, your precious Bible that directs my life, and your promises which give me hope everyday.  Thank you for 36 years of life I’ve had to live and all the other blessings you have given me.  I am truly thankful and humbled by all you have done in and through me.  May my life glorify you in all I do- thank you. 

Get the idea?  The above psalm teaches us to offer thanksgiving (todah) as a sacrifice to God.  In other words, it will take time and effort to do it right but it will be pleasing to God.  Plus, the writer teaches us to “keep our vows to the Most High,” meaning, stay true God- never give up.  God is worthy of your thanksgiving because of who He is and all He has done.

Now it’s your turn- take some time and offer God “todah,” the sacrifice of thanksgiving! 

Reflection | What do you have to be thankful to God for? 

Action | (1) Consider all the good things God has done in your life. (2) Take some time today and give Him thanks. (3) Lastly, share His goodness with others- testify about how good God has been to you. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29, Luke 6:12-38, Psalm 67:1-7, &Proverbs 11:27. Click here to read online.

March 23 | Halal, to Worship in Celebration

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 113:1, “Praise the Lord. Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.”

Lesson 23 | Halal, to Worship in Celebration

Praise the Lord!  Shout Hallelujah!  The word “hallelujah” comes from two root words in Hebrew, “halal,” which means, “to offer praise in celebration with shouts, joyful cheers, and outburst of spontaneous adoration!”  And “jah,” which means, “God.”  As a result, the word “Hallelujah” literally means, “Praise the Lord!” 

Therefore, when the write above boldly declares, “Praise the Lord,” he is literally saying in Hebrew, “hallelujah!”  Halal is a joyful praise to God (Yah) with strong emotion and joy.  Many times in modern services when the singing has paused or ended people in the congregation will shout out, “Hallelujah!”  This may startle someone new, but this is exactly the kind of response God wants from us.

Why should sports teams, politicians, and rock stars get shouts of adoration but God, the Maker of heaven and earth and the Savior of world only get “golf claps” and soft whispers of thanksgiving?  God forbid!  I refuse to let a sports fanatic out shout me.  I will be louder, bolder, and more passionate about giving my God praise then they do a person hitting a ball with a bat!

Some people have been brought up to think church should always be quiet like a museum.  Others have been in churches where Jesus is always made out to be on the cross- usually skinny, pale, and emaciated.  However, the Bible clearly states that Jesus is no longer on the cross or even dead- He rose on the third day and is seated next to the Father waiting to come and rule the world in His power and majesty. 

Therefore, when we give God “halal” we are expressing our sincere joy and love for our great God and Savior!  I challenge you right now to give God a “crazy praise” and lift up a bold shout to His name- HALLELUJAH! 

Reflection | Are you willing to be bold in your praise for God? 

Action | (1) Remove any and all hindrances you may have from giving God a bold halal kind of praise. (2) Celebrate God with shouts of joy for three things He has done in your life.  (3) Lastly, next time you’re in church give God a great big shout of praise! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46, Luke 5:29-6:11, Psalm 66:1-20, & Proverbs 11:24-26. Click here to read online.

March 22 | Barak, to Worship by Kneeling Down

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 95:6, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

Lesson 22 | Barak, to Worship by Kneeling Down

What is the most common position you think of when you imagine praying and worshipping?  Most think of kneeling before Jesus as one does a king.  The idea of kneeling is not one of earthly origin but rather heavenly.  Before God and His throne people are kneeling and worshipping Him even right now (Revelation 19:4)!

In the above psalm the writer, like a good worship leader, is calling people to bow down to God in worship.  He then declares, “let us kneel (barak) before the Lord our Master.  The Hebrews word “barak,” means to “kneel in worship.”  Thus, in times of worship to God we should physically display our humility and honor to him by bending our knees in submission and reverence.

Of course, the bending of the knees is not the main thing God is looking for; He is looking for the “bended heart” to His will.  However, just like singing and shouting praises to God uses our vocal cords we should also be willing to use our body to kneel before God and acknowledge Him as our Lord (God) and Maker (creator). 

As Jesus taught in John 4 the Father is not far away or demanding from us our good works to please, but rather in response to His great love and mercy we should be compelled to kneel before Him.  As a matter of fact, Paul writes in Philippians 2:9-10, “10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Therefore, the question isn’t “Are you going to bow before God and declare His praise?”  But rather, “When are you going to bow and worship God- now as His child or at the judgment as a sinner being sent to eternal damnation?”

Obviously, the better choice is to kneel down and worship God today as your Lord and Maker!  He alone is worthy of your worship and kneeling.  Therefore, as the writer of the Psalm said, “let us kneel (barak) before the Lord our Maker!”   

Reflection | Are you willing to truly humble yourself and kneel before God and confess Him as your Lord and Maker? 

Action | (1) First, humble your heart before God by submitting to His will for your life. (2) Second, physically kneel down and confess Jesus as your Lord and Maker.  (3) Lastly, live your life “bended and humbled” to the will of God. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 33:40-35:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, &Proverbs 11:23. Click here to read online.

March 21 | Tehillah, to Worship with a New Song

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 34:1, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

Lesson 21 | Tehillah, to Worship with a New Song

Be honest, do you like to sing?  I have never met a person yet that doesn't like to sing.  Of course, many people don’t like to sing in public or have people hear them, but everyone likes to sing their favorite tune when no one is around.  God designed our singing to have a special relationship with our mind and body.  When we sing we calm our mind, release stress, and like with laughter we bring emotional healing to our lives.  

The Hebrew word David used for praise in the above psalm is “tehillah” which literally means, “song of praise.”  David is declaring that God’s song of praise (tehillah) will always be on his lips.  As a matter of fact the word “psalm” actual means “song,” therefore David not only loved to sing but he wrote his own songs too.  You can think of the book of psalms as a book of songs.  Some believe the psalms were written just to be read as poetry, but the real application of the psalms was to be sung out loud.

My daughters are 2 and 4 years old and they love to not only sing songs we teach them but they love to make up their own songs.  They enjoy singing about God, what they’ve learned throughout the day, and totally random things like their favorite food.  They literally always have a song in their heart- it is so precious to hear them sing. 

May we all be like children in the Kingdom of God and have a song in our heart about the exaltation of our God.  You can sing songs karaoke style with your favorite worship band or you can make up your own songs in your prayer time and simply sing them out loud between you and God. 

As you sing and exalt God in praise and worship, He will fill both your heart and life with His presence.  Don’t wait, start singing right now and make a joyful noise unto the Lord- He loves to hear you sing to Him!     

Reflection | Are you willing to sing songs and make melodies in your heart to God? 

Action | (1) Make time today to sing songs to God. (2) In your time of singing ask the Holy Spirit to give you new words to sing a new song from your heart. (3) Lastly, daily sing already made songs to God and new ones from your heart. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 32:1-33:39, Luke 4:31-5:11, Psalm 64:1-10, &Proverbs 11:22. Click here to read online.

March 20 | Yadah, To Worship God in Surrender

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 42:11, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Lesson 20 | Yadah, To Worship God in Surrender

The Old Testament Scriptures are full of examples of praise and worship that we as New Testament Christians can learn from.  Some today in the church world make a difference between “praise” and “worship.”  Some think “praise” is being joyful in the presence of God by singing happy songs.  And that “worship” means to sing slow songs that reflect upon the nature of God. 

However, in the Bible giving God thanksgiving and praise is considered worship.  Because to worship God means to “serve and acknowledge God for who He truly is.”  Therefore, Biblically speaking praise and worship are not different genres, but rather praise is an expression of true worship, Daniel 3:28 & John 4:23-24.  

In turn, we now will be examining various Hebrew words in the Old Testament that teach different forms of praise that are considered worship, honor and service to our God.

In the above Psalm the writer is stating that they are down cast in their soul but they still are going to put their “hope in God” and “yet praise Him.”  The Hebrew word for praise in the verse is“yadah,” which means “to worship God in surrender.”  The writer is basically saying, “I will worship God by surrendering all of my worries, fears, and doubts to Him.”  Plus, just like in our time when someone surrenders they raise up their hands the Bible mentions that people raised their hands to God in worship and surrender while they offered “yadah,” Psalm 28:2 & 1 Timothy 2:8.   

The following is an example of performing “yadah,” when you are facing a tough time in your marriage, “God, I surrender to you all my worries, fears, and doubts about my marriage.  I decide today to put my full trust and hope in you!  For you are my Savior, the one who saves me from all my marriage troubles, and you are my God, the one that is ultimately in control of everything in my relationship with my spouse!”

Therefore, whenever you face times of stress, worry, or fear do not freak out or run away from God.  Rather, run to God in “yadah” and surrender everything you are facing to Him and proclaim Him as your Savior and God!

Reflection | What area of your life do you need to perform “yadah” in? 

Action | (1) Think of an area in your life that is causing you stress and heart ache. (2) Surrender the situation to God in yadah worship.  (3) Lastly, boldly proclaim that Jesus is both Savior and God in your situation.   

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 30:1-31:54, Luke 4:1-30, Psalm 63:1-11, &Proverbs 11:20-21. Click here to read online.

March 19 | Worshipping in Truth

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | John 4:23-24, “23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Lesson 19 | Worshipping in Truth

What does it mean to worship God in truth?  To worship God in truth means, “to love and adore God by obeying His commands and doing all that He commanded.”  Thus, when we worship God in truth we do so by believing and following the truth of God’s Word.

Jesus said that if we loved Him, we were to obey all that He commanded, John 14:15.  Some people claim to worship God by singing in the choir or by listening to Christian music, though these things can be good, that was not how God primarily wanted us to worship Him- He commanded us to worship Him by living lives that obey His truths.

Therefore, when you do sing songs about Him at church or when you’re alone, your worship will be effective because you’re not just singing songs without meaning, you are singing songs that represents your beliefs and actions.

Truth comes first from Jesus (John 1:14), then He gave it to His disciples in the form of the Bible (John 14:16), and lastly, the truth of God’s Word is made alive in our spirits by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).  Thus, God the Father expects us to come to Jesus, read His word, and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us all truth.  As a result, when we truly know Jesus, read His Word, and by faith and the power of the Holy Spirit live it out everyday- we are worshipping Him in truth.

Lastly, when we combine “spiritual worship” (to worship God with everything in our inner most being) with the “truth worship” (to worship in obedience) we can expect to be the kind of true worshippers that the Father seeks!

Therefore, make time everyday to worship God in both spirit and in truth!   Obey His commands and adore Him with everything you are on the inside! 

Reflection | Do you worship God in truth by your obedience to His Word? 

Action | (1) Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and expose any and all error in your life. (2) Repent of all errors and sin. (3) Lastly, worship God today by believing and obeying all His commands.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 28:16-29:40, Luke 3:23-38, Psalm 62:1-12, &Proverbs 11:18-19. Click here to read online.

March 18 | Worshipping in Spirit

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | John 4:23-24, “23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Lesson 18 | Worshipping in Spirit

What does it mean to worship God in spirit?  To worship God in spirit means, “to love and adore God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in your inner most being.”  The Bible teaches that you are a spiritual being living in an earthly body, Genesis 2:7.  In other words, you are more than just a body with five senses; you are a living spirit created in the image of God to be in fellowship with God’s Holy Spirit.

Thus, when Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength,” this is the same kind of command to worship God with your spirit.   You are to worship God with everything on the inside of you- including everything that is spiritual and physical in nature.  Of course you are also to worship God with your body and with its strength.  But more importantly than singing songs with your mouth, kneeling, or raising your hands in worship- the most important thing is to totally love and adore God with everything you are on the inside.

The priests of the Old Testament would experience this kind of spiritual worship when they went to the temple in Jerusalem and encountered the manifest glory of God.  At one occasion in the time of King Solomon the presence of God came so powerfully upon the temple that the priests fell to their faces and couldn’t even move, 2 Chronicles 7:1-2.

Paul also stated in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 that because God’s Spirit dwells within you- you can experience the presence of God in freedom and go from “glory to glory.”  Therefore, worshipping God in spirit may be different each time you worship and for each person, but the result should be the same- God’s presence will come and encounter your life.  Thus, make time each day to love and adore God with your spirit and get ready for Him to invade your atmosphere!  

Reflection | Do you worship God in spirit? 

Action | (1) Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your spirit and lead you in worship today. (2) As you worship in your spirit be sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit.  (3) Lastly, worship God with everything on the inside of you. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 26:52-28:15, Luke 3:1-22, Psalm 61:1-8, &Proverbs 11:16-17. Click here to read online.

March 17 | God Is Seeking Worshippers

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | John 4:23-24, “23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Lesson 17 | God Is Seeking Worshippers

In the above passage, Jesus gives the clearest and most powerful call for all believers to be worshippers of God.  He boldly declares that people just following religious rules or going to a temple to seek God will not find Him, but God Himself is seeking out people who are true worshippers.

Jesus is teaching that we don’t have to go on some deep spiritual treasure quest to find God, all we have to do is start worshipping the one true God in spirit and in truth and God will come to us wherever we are!

Jesus is doing more than just giving instruction on singing songs or reciting certain prayers in church, which become known as “worship songs and prayers.”  However, He is teaching us about the very character and nature of God.  Jesus is revealing to us that God is always willing to be with His people, but His people must love and adore Him.  In other words, for God to come we must seek His face and not just His hands.  Our greatest heart cry shouldn’t be for God’s presents, but for His presence. 

Jesus is not commanding us to pray at certain times a day facing a specific direction like robots or to go on extended long fasts and torture our bodies, but rather He is desiring that we all seek Him in our spirit and believe His truth.  For when we truly open up our spirits to God and follow all His ways- we will never have to wonder where God is because He will always be with us.

Reflection | Are you a true worshipper? 

Action | (1) Make time everyday to worship God. (2) Worship Him with your inner most being based on the truth of His Word,  (3) Lastly, sing songs, pray the Psalms of David, and make your worship known to God daily in prayer. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 26:1-51, Luke 2:36-52, Psalm 60:1-12, &Proverbs 11:15. Click here to read online.

March 16 | Dedicated to Prayer

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Matthew 26:40, “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour? he asked Peter.”

Lesson 16 | Dedicated to Prayer

Have you ever fallen asleep while praying?  I don’t mean falling sleep in bed while praying and fellowshipping with God- but rather when you were supposed to be praying you went to sleep?  There was a time in our church when we committed to pray from 5am to 8am four days a week.  I cannot count how many times I feel asleep on the floor!  Sad but true, I probably slept more than I prayed!

So often just like the disciples we do everything in life with all of our energy and when it comes to prayer we give God the last bit of energy we have and fail to really pray with power and passion.  At the same time, I’m not advocating we set up a strict set of rules with a time card and “clock in and clock out” for God in prayer.  However, I do want to challenge you to give God your best in prayer.

Consider the following ways to be dedicated to God in prayer, (1) Pray consistently everyday, (2) Pray at times when you have energy and focus to really spend quality time with God, (3) Try to pray for extended amounts of time (because I believe much of the first part of our prayer times is spent just clearing our mind of all the thoughts and concerns of the day), and lastly, (4) Pray with passion and purpose by the power of the Holy Spirit.   

I believe just like in the passage above Jesus is looking for prayer partners, will you pray with Jesus today?

Reflection | When is the best time for you to pray with passion and purpose?

Action | (1) Set up times each day to have a consistent prayer life that is full of energy and passion. (2) If you miss a time to pray, repent, and move forward without condemnation.  (3) Lastly, grow deeper in your walk with God by dedicating to praying at times that works best for you and your schedule. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 24:1-25:18, Luke 2:1-35, Psalm 59:1-17, &Proverbs 11:14. Click here to read online.