Sadly, many Christians have betrayed their King and his kingdom. They have foolishly concluded that because they live on earth, it's their home. It is not. The Bible is clear: "Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul." "Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul."8G.o.d warns us to not get too attached to what's around us because it is temporary. We're told, "Those infrequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pa.s.s away." "Those infrequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pa.s.s away."

Compared with other centuries, life has never been easier for much of the Western world. We are constantly entertained, amused, and catered to. With all the fascinating attractions, mesmerizing media, and enjoyable experiences available today, it's easy to forget that the pursuit of happiness is not what life is about. Only as we remember that life is a test, a trust, and a temporary a.s.signment will the appeal of these things lose their grip on our lives. We are preparing for something even better. "The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever" "The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever"

The fact that earth is not our ultimate home explains why, as followers of Jesus, we experience difficulty, sorrow, and rejection in this world. It also explains why some of G.o.d's promises seem unfulfilled, some prayers seem unanswered, and some circ.u.mstances seem unfair. This is not the end of the story.

Your ident.i.ty is in eternity, and your homeland is heaven.

In order to keep us from becoming too attached to earth, G.o.d allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life-longings that will never never be fulfilled on this side of eternity. We're not completely happy here because we're not supposed to be! Earth- is not our final home; we were created for something much better. be fulfilled on this side of eternity. We're not completely happy here because we're not supposed to be! Earth- is not our final home; we were created for something much better.

A fish would never be happy living on land, because it was made for water. An eagle could never feel satisfied if it wasn't allowed to fly. You will never feel completely satisfied on earth, because you were made for more. You will have happy moments here, but nothing compared with what G.o.d has planned for you.

Realizing that life on earth is just a temporary a.s.signment should radically alter your values. Eternal values, not temporal ones, should become the deciding factors for your decisions. As C. S. Lewis observed, "All that is not eternal is eternally useless." The Bible says, "We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." "We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

It is a fatal mistake to a.s.sume that G.o.d's goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success, as the world defines it. The abundant life has nothing to do with material material abundance, and faithfulness to G.o.d does not guarantee success in a career or even in ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns. abundance, and faithfulness to G.o.d does not guarantee success in a career or even in ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns.

Paul was faithful, yet he ended up in prison. John the Baptist was faithful, but he was beheaded. Millions of faithful people have been martyred, have lost everything, or have come to the end of life with nothing to show for it. But the end of life is not the end! But the end of life is not the end!

In G.o.d's eyes, the greatest heroes of faith are not those who achieve prosperity, success, and power in this life, but those who treat this life as a temporary a.s.signment and serve faithfully, expecting their promised reward in eternity. The Bible says this about G.o.d's Hall of Fame: "All these great people died in faith. They did not get the things that G.o.d promised his people, but they saw them coming far in the future and were glad. They said they were like visitors and strangers on earth.... they were waiting for a better country-a heavenly country. So G.o.d is not ashamed to be called their G.o.d, because he has prepared a city for them. " "All these great people died in faith. They did not get the things that G.o.d promised his people, but they saw them coming far in the future and were glad. They said they were like visitors and strangers on earth.... they were waiting for a better country-a heavenly country. So G.o.d is not ashamed to be called their G.o.d, because he has prepared a city for them. "uYour time on earth is not the complete story of your life. You must wait until heaven for the rest of the chapters. It takes faith to live on earth as a foreigner.

An old story is often repeated of a retiring missionary coming home to America on the same boat as the president of the United States. Cheering crowds, a military band, a red carpet, banners, and the media welcomed the president home, but the missionary slipped off the ship unnoticed. Feeling self-pity and resentment, he began complaining to G.o.d. Then G.o.d gently reminded him, "But my child, you're not home yet." you're not home yet."

You will not be in heaven two seconds before you cry out, "Why did I place so much importance on things that were so temporary? "Why did I place so much importance on things that were so temporary? What was I thinking? Why did I waste so much time, energy, and concern on what wasn't going to last?" What was I thinking? Why did I waste so much time, energy, and concern on what wasn't going to last?"

When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death you won't leave home-you'll go go home. home.

Earth is not our final home; we were created for something much better.DAY SIX THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: This world is not my home. This world is not my home.Verse to Remember: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 (MTV) Corinthians 4:18 (MTV)Question to Consider: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary a.s.signment change the way I am living right now? How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary a.s.signment change the way I am living right now?

7.

The Reason for Everything Everything comes from G.o.d alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory.

Romans 11:36 (LB) The LORD has made everything for his own purposes. Proverbs 16:4 (NLT) Proverbs 16:4 (NLT)It's all for him.

The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of G.o.d. It is the reason for everything that exists, including you. G.o.d made it all all for his glory. Without G.o.d's glory, there would be nothing. for his glory. Without G.o.d's glory, there would be nothing.

What is the glory of G.o.d? It is who G.o.d is. It is the essence of his nature, the weight of his importance, the radiance of his splendor, the demonstration of his power, and the atmosphere of his presence. G.o.d's glory is the expression of his goodness and all his other intrinsic, eternal qualities.

Where is the glory of G.o.d? Just look around. Everything Everything created by G.o.d reflects his glory in some way. We see it everywhere, from the smallest microscopic form of life to the vast Milky Way, from sunsets and stars to storms and seasons. created by G.o.d reflects his glory in some way. We see it everywhere, from the smallest microscopic form of life to the vast Milky Way, from sunsets and stars to storms and seasons.

Living for G.o.d's glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives.

Creation reveals our Creator's glory. In nature we learn that G.o.d is powerful, that he enjoys variety, loves beauty, is organized, and is wise and creative. The Bible says, "The heavens declare the glory of G.o.d.' "The heavens declare the glory of G.o.d.'

Throughout history, G.o.d has revealed his glory to people in different settings. He revealed it first in the Garden of Eden, then to Moses, then in the tabernacle and the temple, then through Jesus, and now through the church.2 It was portrayed as a consuming fire, a cloud, thunder, smoke, and a brilliant light.' In heaven, G.o.d's glory provides all the light needed. It was portrayed as a consuming fire, a cloud, thunder, smoke, and a brilliant light.' In heaven, G.o.d's glory provides all the light needed.

The Bible says, "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of G.o.d gives it light." "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of G.o.d gives it light."

G.o.d's glory is best seen in Jesus Christ. He, the Light of the world, illuminates G.o.d's nature. Because of Jesus, we are no longer in the dark about what G.o.d is really like. The Bible says, "The Son is the radiance of G.o.d's glory." "The Son is the radiance of G.o.d's glory." Jesus came to earth so we could fully understand G.o.d's glory. Jesus came to earth so we could fully understand G.o.d's glory. "The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory ... a glory full of grace and truth." "The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory ... a glory full of grace and truth."

G.o.d's inherent inherent glory is what he possesses because he is G.o.d. It is his nature. We cannot add anything to this glory, just as it would be impossible for us to make the sun shine brighter. But we are commanded to glory is what he possesses because he is G.o.d. It is his nature. We cannot add anything to this glory, just as it would be impossible for us to make the sun shine brighter. But we are commanded to recognize recognize his glory, his glory, honor honor his glory, his glory, declare declare his glory, his glory, praise praise his glory, his glory, reflect reflect his glory, and his glory, and live live for his glory.' Why? Because G.o.d deserves it! We owe him every honor we can possibly give. Since G.o.d made all things, he deserves all the glory. The Bible says, for his glory.' Why? Because G.o.d deserves it! We owe him every honor we can possibly give. Since G.o.d made all things, he deserves all the glory. The Bible says, "You are worthy, 0 Lord our G.o.d, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything." "You are worthy, 0 Lord our G.o.d, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything."

In the entire universe, only two of G.o.d's creations fail to bring glory to him: fallen angels (demons) and us (people). All sin, at its root, is failing to give G.o.d glory. It is loving anything else more than G.o.d. Refusing to bring glory to G.o.d is prideful rebellion, and it is the sin that caused Satan's fall-and ours, too. In different ways we have all lived for our own glory, not G.o.d's. The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of G.o.d." "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of G.o.d."

None of us have given G.o.d the full glory he deserves from our lives. This is the worst sin and the biggest mistake we can make. On the other hand, living for G.o.d's glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives. G.o.d says, "They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory," "They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory," so it ought to be the supreme goal of our lives. so it ought to be the supreme goal of our lives.

HOW CAN I BRING GLORY TO G.o.d?.

Jesus told the Father, "I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do.' I' "I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do.' I' Jesus honored G.o.d by fulfilling his purpose on earth. We honor G.o.d the same way. When anything in creation fulfills its purpose, it brings glory to G.o.d. Birds bring glory to G.o.d by flying, chirping, nesting, and doing other bird-like activities that G.o.d intended. Even the lowly ant brings glory to G.o.d when it fulfills the purpose it was created for. G.o.d made ants to be ants, and he made you to be you. St. Irenaeus said, "The glory of G.o.d is a human being fully alive!" There are many ways to bring glory to G.o.d, but they can be summarized in G.o.d's five purposes Jesus honored G.o.d by fulfilling his purpose on earth. We honor G.o.d the same way. When anything in creation fulfills its purpose, it brings glory to G.o.d. Birds bring glory to G.o.d by flying, chirping, nesting, and doing other bird-like activities that G.o.d intended. Even the lowly ant brings glory to G.o.d when it fulfills the purpose it was created for. G.o.d made ants to be ants, and he made you to be you. St. Irenaeus said, "The glory of G.o.d is a human being fully alive!" There are many ways to bring glory to G.o.d, but they can be summarized in G.o.d's five purposes for your life. We will spend the rest of this book looking at them in detail, but here is an overview: We bring G.o.d glory by worshiping him. Worship is our first responsibility to G.o.d. We worship G.o.d by enjoying him. C. S. Lewis said, "In commanding us to glorify him, G.o.d is inviting us to enjoy him." G.o.d wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving, and delight, not duty. Worship is our first responsibility to G.o.d. We worship G.o.d by enjoying him. C. S. Lewis said, "In commanding us to glorify him, G.o.d is inviting us to enjoy him." G.o.d wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving, and delight, not duty.

When anything in creation fulfills its purpose, it brings glory to G.o.d.John Piper notes, "G.o.d is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

Worship is far more than praising, singing, and praying to G.o.d. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying enjoying G.o.d, G.o.d, loving loving him, and him, and giving giving ourselves to be used for his purposes. When you use your life for G.o.d's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship. The Bible says, ourselves to be used for his purposes. When you use your life for G.o.d's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship. The Bible says, "Use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of G.o.d." "Use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of G.o.d."

We bring G.o.d glory by loving other believers. When you were born again, you became a part of G.o.d's family. Following Christ is not just a matter of believing; it also includes When you were born again, you became a part of G.o.d's family. Following Christ is not just a matter of believing; it also includes belonging belonging and learning to love the family of G.o.d. John wrote, and learning to love the family of G.o.d. John wrote, "Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life."' "Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life."' Paul said, Paul said, "Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then G.o.d will be glorified." "Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then G.o.d will be glorified."

It is your responsibility to learn how to love as G.o.d does, because G.o.d is love, and it honors him. Jesus said, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another: By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." "As I have loved you, so you must love one another: By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

We bring G.o.d glory by becoming like Christ. Once we are born into G.o.d's family, he wants us to grow to spiritual maturity. What does that look like? Spiritual maturity is becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel, and act. The more you develop Christlike character, the more you will bring glory to G.o.d. The Bible says, Once we are born into G.o.d's family, he wants us to grow to spiritual maturity. What does that look like? Spiritual maturity is becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel, and act. The more you develop Christlike character, the more you will bring glory to G.o.d. The Bible says, "As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." "As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more."

G.o.d gave you a new life and a new nature when you accepted Christ. Now, for the rest of your life on earth, G.o.d wants to continue the process of changing your character. The Bible says, "May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ for this will bring much glory and praise to G.o.d." "May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ for this will bring much glory and praise to G.o.d."

We bring G.o.d glory by serving others with our gifts. Each of us was uniquely designed by G.o.d with talents, gifts, skills, and abilities. The way you're "wired" is not an accident. G.o.d didn't give you your abilities for selfish purposes. They were given to benefit others, just as others were given abilities for your benefit. The Bible says, of us was uniquely designed by G.o.d with talents, gifts, skills, and abilities. The way you're "wired" is not an accident. G.o.d didn't give you your abilities for selfish purposes. They were given to benefit others, just as others were given abilities for your benefit. The Bible says, "G.o.d has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that G.o.d's generosity can flow through "G.o.d has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that G.o.d's generosity can flow through you... Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that G.o.d supplies.

Then G.o.d will be given glory."

We bring G.o.d glory by telling others about him. G.o.d doesn't want his love and purposes kept a secret. Once we know the truth, he expects us to share it with others. This is a great privilege-introducing others to Jesus, helping them discover their purpose, and preparing them for their eternal destiny. The Bible says, doesn't want his love and purposes kept a secret. Once we know the truth, he expects us to share it with others. This is a great privilege-introducing others to Jesus, helping them discover their purpose, and preparing them for their eternal destiny. The Bible says, "As G.o.d's grace brings more and more people to "As G.o.d's grace brings more and more people to Christ, ... G.o.d will receive more and more glory."

WHAT WILL YOU LIVE FOR?.

Living the rest of your life for the glory of G.o.d will require a change in your priorities, your schedule, your relationships, and everything else. It will sometimes mean choosing a difficult path instead of an easy one. Even Jesus struggled with this. Knowing he was about to be crucified, he cried out: "My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Thy name.' "My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Thy name.'

Jesus stood at a fork in the road. Would he fulfill his purpose and bring glory to G.o.d, or would he shrink back and live a comfortable, self-centered life? You face the same choice. Will you live for your own goals, comfort, and pleasure, or will you live the rest of your life for G.o.d's glory, knowing that he has promised eternal rewards? The Bible says, "Anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, . . . you'll have it forever, real and Eternal." "Anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, . . . you'll have it forever, real and Eternal."

It's time to settle this issue. Who Who are you going to live for yourself or G.o.d? You may hesitate, wondering whether you will have strength to live for G.o.d. Don't worry. G.o.d will give you what you need if you will just make the choice to live for him. The Bible says, are you going to live for yourself or G.o.d? You may hesitate, wondering whether you will have strength to live for G.o.d. Don't worry. G.o.d will give you what you need if you will just make the choice to live for him. The Bible says, "Everything that goes into a life of pleasing G.o.d has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to G.o.d.' "Everything that goes into a life of pleasing G.o.d has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to G.o.d.'

Right now, G.o.d is inviting you to live for his glory by fulfilling the purposes he made you for. It's really the only way to live. Everything else is just existing. existing. Real life begins by committing yourself completely to Jesus Christ. If you are not sure you have done this, all you need to do Real life begins by committing yourself completely to Jesus Christ. If you are not sure you have done this, all you need to do is receive is receive and and believe. believe. The Bible promises, The Bible promises, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of G.o.d." "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of G.o.d." Will you accept G.o.d's offer? Will you accept G.o.d's offer?

First, believe. Believe G.o.d loves you and made you for his purposes. Believe you're not an accident. Believe you were made to la: forever. Believe G.o.d has chosen you to have a relationship with Jesus, who died on the cross for you. Believe that no matter what you've done, G.o.d wants to forgive you.

Second, receive. Receive Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior. Receive his forgiveness for your sins. Receive his Spirit, who will give you the power to fulfill your life purpose. The Bible says, "Whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever!" "Whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever!" Wherever you are reading this, I invite you to bow your head and quietly whisper the prayer that will change your eternity: Wherever you are reading this, I invite you to bow your head and quietly whisper the prayer that will change your eternity: Jesus, I believe in you and I receive Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you." Go ahead. you." Go ahead.

If you sincerely meant that prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of G.o.d! You are now ready to discover and start living G.o.d's purpose for your life. I urge you to tell someone about it. You're going to need support. If you email me (see appendix 2), I will send you a little booklet I wrote called Your First Steps for Spiritual Growth. Your First Steps for Spiritual Growth.

DAY SEVEN THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE.

Point to Ponder: It's all for him. It's all for him.

Verse to Remember: "For everything comes from G.o.d alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." "For everything comes from G.o.d alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36 Romans 11:36 (LB) (LB) Question to Consider: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of G.o.d's Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of G.o.d's glory?

Jesus will give you everything you need to live for him.

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YOU WERE PLANNED FOR G.o.d'S PLEASURE.

For G.o.d has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3 (LB) Isaiah 61:3 (LB)

8.

Planned for G.o.d's Pleasure You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 (NLT) Revelation 4:11 (NLT)The Lord takes pleasure in his people. Psalm 149:4a (TEV) Psalm 149:4a (TEV)You were planned for G.o.d's pleasure.

The moment you were born into the world, G.o.d was there as an unseen witness, smiling smiling at your birth. He wanted you alive, and your arrival gave him great pleasure. G.o.d did not at your birth. He wanted you alive, and your arrival gave him great pleasure. G.o.d did not need need to create you, but he to create you, but he chose chose to create you for his own enjoyment. You exist for his benefit, his glory, his purpose, and his delight. to create you for his own enjoyment. You exist for his benefit, his glory, his purpose, and his delight.

Bringing enjoyment to G.o.d, living for his pleasure, is the first purpose of your life. When you fully understand this truth, you will never again have a problem with feeling insignificant. It proves your worth. If you are that that important to G.o.d, and he considers you valuable enough to keep with him for eternity, what greater significance could you have? You are a child of G.o.d, and you bring pleasure to G.o.d like nothing else he has ever created. The Bible says, important to G.o.d, and he considers you valuable enough to keep with him for eternity, what greater significance could you have? You are a child of G.o.d, and you bring pleasure to G.o.d like nothing else he has ever created. The Bible says, "Because of his love G.o.d had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children-this was his pleasure and purpose.' "Because of his love G.o.d had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children-this was his pleasure and purpose.'

One of the greatest gifts G.o.d has given you is the ability to enjoy pleasure. He wired you with five senses and emotions so you can experience it. He wants you to enjoy life, not just endure it. The reason you are able to enjoy pleasure is that G.o.d made you in his image. you in his image.

We often forget that G.o.d has emotions, too. He feels things very deeply. The Bible tells us that G.o.d grieves, gets jealous and angry, and feels compa.s.sion, pity, sorrow, and sympathy as well as

happiness, gladness, and satisfaction. G.o.d loves, delights, gets pleasure, rejoices, enjoys, and even laughs!

Bringing pleasure to G.o.d is called "worship." The Bible says, The Bible says, "The LORD is pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love.' "The LORD is pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love.'

Anything you do that brings pleasure to G.o.d is an act of worship. Like a diamond, worship is multifaceted. is multifaceted. It would take volumes to cover It would take volumes to cover all all there is to understand about worship, but we will look at the primary aspects of worship in this section. there is to understand about worship, but we will look at the primary aspects of worship in this section.

Anthropologists have noted that worship is a universal urge, hard-wired by G.o.d into the very fiber of our being-an inbuilt need to connect with G.o.d. Worship is as natural as eating or breathing. If we fail to worship G.o.d, we always find a subst.i.tute, even if it ends up being ourselves. The reason G.o.d made us with this desire is that he desires worshipers! Jesus said, "The Father seeks worshipers." "The Father seeks worshipers."

Depending on your religious background, you may need to expand your understanding of "worship." You may think of church services with singing, praying, and listening to a sermon. Or you may think of ceremonies, candles, and communion. Or you may think of healing, miracles, and ecstatic experiences. Worship can include these elements, but worship is far more far more than these expressions. Worship is a lifestyle. than these expressions. Worship is a lifestyle.

Worship is far more than music. For many people, worship is just a synonym for music. They say, "At our church we have the worship first, and then the teaching." This is a big misunderstanding. For many people, worship is just a synonym for music. They say, "At our church we have the worship first, and then the teaching." This is a big misunderstanding. Every Every part of a church service is an act of worship: praying, Scripture reading, singing, confession, silence, being still, listening to a sermon, taking notes, part of a church service is an act of worship: praying, Scripture reading, singing, confession, silence, being still, listening to a sermon, taking notes, than music, than music, giving an offering, baptism, communion, signing a commitment card, and even greeting other worshipers. giving an offering, baptism, communion, signing a commitment card, and even greeting other worshipers.

Actually, worship predates music. Adam worshiped in the Garden of Eden, but music isn't mentioned until Genesis 4:21 with the birth of Jubal. If worship were just music, then all who are nonmusical could never worship. Worship is far more than music.

Even worse, "worship" is often misused to refer to a particular style style of music: "First we sang a hymn, then of music: "First we sang a hymn, then a praise and worship a praise and worship song." Or, "I like the fast praise songs but enjoy the slow worship songs the most." In this usage, if a song is fast or loud or uses bra.s.s instruments, it's considered "praise." But if it is slow and quiet and intimate, maybe accompanied by guitar, that's worship. This is a common misuse of the term "worship." song." Or, "I like the fast praise songs but enjoy the slow worship songs the most." In this usage, if a song is fast or loud or uses bra.s.s instruments, it's considered "praise." But if it is slow and quiet and intimate, maybe accompanied by guitar, that's worship. This is a common misuse of the term "worship."

Worship has nothing to do with the style or volume or speed of a song. G.o.d loves all kinds of music because he invented it all-fast and slow, loud and soft, old and new. You probably don't like it all, but G.o.d does! If it is offered to G.o.d in spirit and truth, it is an act of worship. Christians often disagree over the style of music used in worship, pa.s.sionately defending their preferred style as the most biblical or G.o.d-honoring. But there is no biblical style! There are no musical notes in the Bible; we don't even have the instruments they used in Bible times.

Anything you do that brings pleasure to G.o.d is an act of worship.

Frankly, the music style you like best says more about you you-your background and personality-than it does about G.o.d. One ethnic group's music can sound like noise to another. But G.o.d likes variety and enjoys it all.

There is no such thing as "Christian" music; there are only Christian lyrics. It is the words that make a song sacred, not the tune. There are no spiritual tunes. If I played a song for you without the words, you'd have no way of knowing if it were a "Christian" song.

Worship is not for your benefit. As a pastor, I receive notes that say, "I loved the worship today. I got a lot out of it." This is another misconception about worship. It isn't for our benefit! We worship for G.o.d's benefit. When we worship, our goal is to bring pleasure to G.o.d, not ourselves. As a pastor, I receive notes that say, "I loved the worship today. I got a lot out of it." This is another misconception about worship. It isn't for our benefit! We worship for G.o.d's benefit. When we worship, our goal is to bring pleasure to G.o.d, not ourselves.

If you have ever said, "I didn't get anything out of worship today," you worshiped for the wrong reason. Worship isn't for you. It's for G.o.d. Of course, most "worship" services also include elements of fellowship, edification, and evangelism, and there are are benefits to worship, but we don't worship to please ourselves. Our motive is to bring glory and pleasure to our Creator. benefits to worship, but we don't worship to please ourselves. Our motive is to bring glory and pleasure to our Creator.

In Isaiah 29 G.o.d complains about worship that is half-hearted and hypocritical. The people were offering G.o.d stale prayers, insincere praise, empty words, and man-made rituals without even thinking about the meaning. G.o.d's heart is not touched by tradition in worship, but by pa.s.sion and commitment. The Bible says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."

Worship is not a part a part of your life; it of your life; it is is your life. your life. Worship is not just for church services. We are told to Worship is not just for church services. We are told to "worship him continually" "worship him continually" and to and to "praise him from sunrise to sunset." "praise him from sunrise to sunset." In the Bible people praised G.o.d at work, at home, in battle, in jail, and even in bed! Praise should be the first activity when you open your eyes in the morning and the last activity when you close them at night. David said, In the Bible people praised G.o.d at work, at home, in battle, in jail, and even in bed! Praise should be the first activity when you open your eyes in the morning and the last activity when you close them at night. David said, "I will thank the Lord at all times. My mouth will always praise him." "I will thank the Lord at all times. My mouth will always praise him."

Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of G.o.d. The Bible says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of G.o.d.' "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of G.o.d.' Martin Luther said, "A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of G.o.d." Martin Luther said, "A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of G.o.d."

How is it possible to do everything to the glory of G.o.d? By doing everything as if you were doing it for Jesus as if you were doing it for Jesus and by carrying on a continual conversation with him while you do it. The Bible says, and by carrying on a continual conversation with him while you do it. The Bible says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

This is the secret to a lifestyle of worship-doing everything as if you were doing it for Jesus. The Message paraphrase says, "Take your everyday, ordinary life your sleeping, eating, going-to work, and walking-around life-and place it before G.o.d as an offering. "Take your everyday, ordinary life your sleeping, eating, going-to work, and walking-around life-and place it before G.o.d as an offering. Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to G.o.d and perform it with an awareness of his presence. Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to G.o.d and perform it with an awareness of his presence.

When I first fell in love with my wife, I thought of her constantly: while eating breakfast, driving to school, attending cla.s.s, waiting in line at the market, pumping gas-I could not stop thinking about this woman! I often talked to myself about her and thought about all the things I loved about her. This helped me feel close to Kay even though we lived several hundred miles apart and attended different colleges. By constantly thinking of her, I was abiding in her love. abiding in her love. This is what real worship is all about This is what real worship is all about -falling in love with Jesus. -falling in love with Jesus.

[image]DAY EIGHT THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: I was planned for G.o.d's pleasure. I was planned for G.o.d's pleasure.Verse to Remember: "The LORD takes pleasure in his people." "The LORD takes pleasure in his people." Psalm 149:4a Psalm 149:4a(TEV)Question to Consider: What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus? What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?

What Makes G.o.d Smile?

May the LORD smile on you.... Numbers 6:25 Numbers 6:25 (NLT) (NLT)Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. Psalm 119:135 (Msg) Psalm 119:135 (Msg)The smile of G.o.d is the goal of your life.