This devotion is an encore from 7-11-03.
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Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Psalm 29
Psalm 29:2 (NASB) "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in holy array."
I recently had a discussion with a Christian friend who was concerned about the differences in worship in churches today and how they affect the Churchs role of worship before God. So I first explained to him the similarities and differences between contemporary and traditional services
First, a contemporary worship service will often have a band a worship leader joined by several back-up singers. These services also consist of several praise and worship songs, lots of Scripture, and spontaneous prayers. Yet, on the other hand, a traditional church will usually include an organ, a robed choir singing a lofty anthem, and a recitation of the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. So after clearing up the misconceptions about the two services, I then explained to him why each service is perfectly fine how it is. Why is it you ask? It is because in each service the congregation is worshipping God.
You see, to worship God, we must learn what makes Him who He isHis wonderful attributes of goodness and holiness, and His mighty deeds of power. Included in our worship will be thankfulness (Psalm 100:4-5), an acknowledgment that all things, including ourselves, are His (24:1), and an expression of praise (145:1-2). That's why we must realize that it doesn't matter what type of service we attend each week, because worship does not happen in a sanctuary, a solitary mountain retreat, or even a jam-packed arena if it does not first take place in the heart. Jesus said, "God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Worship begins in the soul.
Whether you prefer a classic hymn or the latest praise and worship song, remember the Lord with a sincere, joyous, repentant, and thankful heart, expressing to Him "the glory that is due His name" (Psalm 29:2).
Faith Lesson: All praise, worship, and thankfulness begins in the soul.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
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Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Psalm 29
Psalm 29:2 (NASB) "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in holy array."
I recently had a discussion with a Christian friend who was concerned about the differences in worship in churches today and how they affect the Churchs role of worship before God. So I first explained to him the similarities and differences between contemporary and traditional services
First, a contemporary worship service will often have a band a worship leader joined by several back-up singers. These services also consist of several praise and worship songs, lots of Scripture, and spontaneous prayers. Yet, on the other hand, a traditional church will usually include an organ, a robed choir singing a lofty anthem, and a recitation of the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. So after clearing up the misconceptions about the two services, I then explained to him why each service is perfectly fine how it is. Why is it you ask? It is because in each service the congregation is worshipping God.
You see, to worship God, we must learn what makes Him who He isHis wonderful attributes of goodness and holiness, and His mighty deeds of power. Included in our worship will be thankfulness (Psalm 100:4-5), an acknowledgment that all things, including ourselves, are His (24:1), and an expression of praise (145:1-2). That's why we must realize that it doesn't matter what type of service we attend each week, because worship does not happen in a sanctuary, a solitary mountain retreat, or even a jam-packed arena if it does not first take place in the heart. Jesus said, "God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Worship begins in the soul.
Whether you prefer a classic hymn or the latest praise and worship song, remember the Lord with a sincere, joyous, repentant, and thankful heart, expressing to Him "the glory that is due His name" (Psalm 29:2).
Faith Lesson: All praise, worship, and thankfulness begins in the soul.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
