Developing a spirit of worship (3)

« My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah. » (Psalm 84:2-5)

« Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. » (Psalm 111:1-3)

The things that characterize houses powerfully visited by the Lord are: a thirst for His presence, an exuberant celebration of His works, and a joy of being together. What we experience in the house of God often reflects what we experience as a family, or between brothers and sisters at home. This is why every home is a temple, every believer is a priest, every family is a home for the Lord! When we cultivate a taste for, and sensitivity to, the atmosphere of heaven here on earth, including our homes, we become more and more aware of his divine presence when we come together.

The more we taste of His presence, the more we thirst for it! The more we recognize His works and remember His blessings, the more celebration becomes part of our lifestyle! And the more we participate in fellowship, the more we discover the beauty, the unity and the diversity of the body of Christ. This is how the family spirit is cultivated and brotherly love manifests itself. And according to Isaiah 65:8, the new wine (which means the anointing) is found in the cluster… not in a single isolated grape. If we aspire to see the manifestation of the power of God, we would do well to develop deeper collective worship, the fruit of what we already cultivate at home.

Your attitude in the congregation contributes to the level of worship, enthusiasm, and anticipation. Your joy is courageous! Your faith can « infect » all of your brothers and sisters! Your love can trigger miracles! All of these possibilities are stimulated by a spirit of worship, born in the heart, developing daily, and expressed by our dedication and our passion… in private and in public. You are born to be a participant, not a spectator.

ACTION POINT: Assume your role as priest of the temple that is your household. Be the initiator of a time of worship in your family devotional in your home group.

PRAYER TARGET: According to Romans 15:5-6, ask God to renew within you a passionate love for Him, His presence and His people, and to awaken in your heart an unshakeable faith to see the manifestation of His glory. Pray for harmony in your local church.