Worshiping God – Psalm 84:10

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (NIV)

The sons of Korah had it right when they declared that being in the presence of God was far more desirable than being somewhere else.  In His presence, we experience koinonia, or what we call fellowship, with Him.  We bask in His peace, comfort, strength, and quench our thirsty souls with His living water.  We praise and worship Him not just with our words but with our entire being.

Are we of the same mind?  If we place ourselves in the following circumstances, can we say the same?

  • Watching my child score the winning point(s) for their sports team
  • Riding my motorcycle on the open road on a crisp Fall morning with the sun shining brightly and the leaves of the trees in a full riot of color
  • Watching my favorite sports team with my friends triumph in their final match-up
  • Eating my favorite meal at my favorite restaurant with my best friend

The temporal pleasures of this world are wonderful to enjoy; let us now enjoy the eternal pleasures by worshiping our Lord and Savior in truth and spirit.

A short prayer of preparation:

Father, you are so gracious to us.  Your mercies renew every morning.  You knit us in our mother’s wombs, even though You knew everything we would think, say, and do – even before You created the universe.  May we now seek You with all our our heart, mind, soul, and strength.  For those that cannot meet with us today, visit them in a mighty way.  Tend to their needs and desires, and surround them with Your peace and presence.  You are so good to your people!  May we pour out our praise and worship to You this day.  You are all-mighty God, and deserve this and so much more.  Give us traveling mercies as we assemble together this day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Want more?  Why not try A. B. Simpson or A. W. Tozer?

A Promise of God – Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

What a marvelous promise!  That the ones that are called by His name God has purposed in His heart to prosper.  Oh, to prosper in the Lord!   Spiritual growth is so important in our lives.  How much time every day do we allocate to that most important goal?  Do we eagerly await our next challenge, and embrace it with outstretched arms?  Do we ambivalently await its arrival, knowing it is a necessity yet planning our lives around it when it arrives?  Or do we dread its appearance, knowing that difficulties await?

A short prayer of preparation:

Father in Heaven, You are a great and glorious God.  I know that you work for good all things to those that love You and are called according to Your purpose.  Grant me Your peace this day as I prepare for what is to come.  Search my heart, O God, and see if there is any wrongdoing in me.  Address my weaknesses, and be merciful to me.  Strengthen me in my struggles, and make me victorious; for when I am weak, You are strong.  May the meditations of my heart and words of my mouth be pleasing to You always.  May I be a light on the hill that glorifies Your name.  You are worthy of all glory and power and strength and honor and praise.  Great is your grace and mercy!  Amen.

Want more?  Why not try A. B. Simpson or A. W. Tozer?