Tag: Worship

Nothing Wasted: Trusting God’s Purpose

It’s a bold statement when Jesus says, “The Lord needs it.” Just before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He asks His disciples to bring Him a colt. No lengthy explanations, no assurances for the colt’s owner — simply, “The Lord needs it.” To the owner, this colt may have been valuable or essential for work, but Jesus’ words demand a higher purpose for it. When something is needed for God’s purposes, no matter how mundane or precious, it’s never wasted.

Similarly, earlier in the Gospel accounts, we see Mary pouring costly perfume over Jesus’ head, a luxury that shocks the disciples as a “waste.” But Jesus defends her, framing her act as one of deep worship. “She has done a beautiful thing to me,” He says, indicating that her extravagant offering has profound meaning in God’s unfolding plan.

Our own lives often mirror these moments. We may be called to release what we value or find security in — our time, finances, talents — without clear assurances. Yet, when the Lord needs it, the act itself becomes sacred, filling it with purpose beyond our understanding. Just as Mary’s act became a testimony of love and faith, our sacrificial acts echo through God’s Kingdom in ways we may never fully see.

Trusting God’s purpose with our resources isn’t just about giving up; it’s about giving in to a greater story. Each offering, big or small, plays a role in something eternal. So when we’re prompted to step out in faith, remembering that “the Lord needs it” brings us into alignment with a purpose where, truly, nothing is wasted.

Lip Service or Heart Change? Jesus’ Warning to the Religious

In Matthew 15:1-20 and Mark 7:1-23, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day about a dangerous tendency: the elevation of tradition over God’s Word. The Pharisees, known for their outward righteousness and strict adherence to religious customs, were scandalized by Jesus’ disciples eating without performing the ceremonial washing of hands. This wasn’t about hygiene; it was about adhering to centuries-old rituals. But Jesus saw through their pretense, and His response was direct: “You nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition” (Matthew 15:6).

This conflict between tradition and Scripture is not unique to the Pharisees. It’s easy to fall into a routine of religion—of doing things simply because they’ve always been done that way. Even well-meaning Christians can get caught up in traditions, whether it’s how church services are run, what worship styles are “acceptable,” or even what particular language we use in prayer. There’s comfort in the familiar, but when the familiar takes priority over the truth of God’s Word, we’ve crossed a dangerous line.

Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for honoring God with their lips, but having hearts far from Him (Matthew 15:8). This kind of empty, outward obedience is worse than worthless—it leads people further from the truth. We see this today when traditions or legalistic practices become more important than the Gospel itself, creating a spiritual environment where rules are followed but relationships with God remain shallow. In such cases, faith becomes about what people see, not about true heart change.

The real issue is not tradition itself. Traditions can be helpful, meaningful, and God-honoring. The danger comes when we rely on these traditions as our guide instead of Scripture. We must continually ask ourselves whether our practices, habits, and routines are helping us grow closer to God—or are they simply comfortable patterns that make us feel righteous without actually engaging with Him?

The antidote to this religious drift is found in allowing Scripture to continually refine and direct us. As Jesus explains in the passage, it is not the outward actions that defile a person, but the state of the heart (Mark 7:20-23). True worship, as Jesus teaches, is not about rigidly following traditions but about an inward transformation that leads to a pure heart.

Are there areas in your life where tradition has replaced true devotion to God? Ask God to reveal where you might be following rules or practices without true heart change. Let His Word—living and active—continue to shape you from the inside out. Tradition isn’t inherently bad, but it should never replace the transformative power of Scripture.

Worship Without Walls: Making Peace with Others

Reading through Mark 3, Luke 6, and Matthew 5, we come across a powerful teaching that echoes across all three Gospels: the importance of reconciliation with others before offering anything to God. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

This teaching is profound, challenging our natural inclination to put religious rituals ahead of relational harmony. It reminds us that true worship cannot be separated from the condition of our hearts and the state of our relationships. Let’s explore why Jesus emphasizes this and how it applies to us today.

In Jewish culture, the offering of sacrifices was central to worship. The altar was a place where individuals connected with God, seeking forgiveness, thanksgiving, and blessing. Yet, in this passage, Jesus places reconciliation with others above these sacred acts. Why? Because for Jesus, relationships reflect our understanding of God’s love and grace. Worship becomes hollow if we harbor bitterness or resentment toward others.

Imagine coming to worship on a Sunday morning with a heavy heart, filled with anger or frustration toward a family member or friend. No matter how beautiful the songs are or how fervent your prayers, something feels off. That’s because unresolved conflict creates a barrier not only between you and others but also between you and God.

Jesus’ instruction is radical because it forces us to prioritize peacemaking. Notice that the onus is not just on those who have wronged others but also on those who have been wronged. We are called to make the first move, to seek reconciliation even if we feel justified in our hurt.

Why is this so important? Because in God’s kingdom, reconciliation mirrors the gospel itself. Just as Christ reconciled us to God through His sacrifice, we are to embody that same heart of reconciliation in our relationships. The act of forgiving and asking for forgiveness is a reflection of the cross, where Jesus brought peace between humanity and God.

Jesus’ teaching challenges the religious tendency to separate the “sacred” from the “ordinary.” We may think that offering a gift at the altar or participating in a church service is a purely spiritual act, disconnected from our daily lives. But Jesus makes it clear that authentic worship is deeply connected to how we treat others. If there’s enmity between us and a brother or sister, our worship is incomplete.

In our modern context, this might look like making amends with someone before taking communion or resolving an ongoing conflict before serving in ministry. God desires wholeness in our hearts and in our relationships. He longs for worship that is not only vertical but also horizontal—reaching out to those around us with love, grace, and forgiveness.

As we reflect on Jesus’ words, let’s ask ourselves: Is there someone I need to reconcile with? Are there any unresolved conflicts that are hindering my worship? God doesn’t want our offerings if our hearts are divided. He wants us to be at peace with one another.

This might mean sending a text, making a phone call, or sitting down for a difficult conversation. Whatever it takes, prioritize reconciliation. Only then will our worship be a true reflection of God’s grace and love.

What Does It Mean to Worship “In the Spirit”?

In John 4, Jesus has an unexpected conversation with a Samaritan woman. As they talk, the topic of worship comes up. The woman points out that Jews worship in Jerusalem, while her people, the Samaritans, worship on Mount Gerizim. She’s focused on the location — the outward, physical expression of worship. But Jesus turns her understanding upside down when He says, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

At that time, worship was deeply tied to physical places and rituals. For the Jews, worship meant making sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem. For the Samaritans, it was about their sacred site on Mount Gerizim. Worship involved tangible, fleshly acts like offering animals, burning incense, and performing rituals. It was all very external, based on visible actions that could be seen and measured.

But Jesus reveals something revolutionary: true worship isn’t about the right location or the right ritual. Worship is about connecting with God on a deeper, spiritual level — “in spirit.” God is not confined to one place or bound by physical forms. He is spirit, and so our worship must be spiritual too.

What does it mean to worship in spirit?

Worshipping in spirit means engaging with God beyond external acts. It’s not about just attending a service, singing songs, or going through the motions. It’s about our hearts being fully involved — a connection that goes beyond what we do and reaches into who we are. It’s a worship that is alive, personal, and sincere.

Reflect for a moment: How often do we let worship become a routine? Do we sometimes show up physically but forget to show up spiritually? Worshipping in spirit challenges us to move past the surface. It calls us to dig deeper, to approach God with genuine reverence and openness.

This doesn’t mean we abandon the outward expressions of worship. Attending church, singing, and praying together are all important. But the key is what’s happening inside. When we worship, are we really connecting with God? Are we letting the Holy Spirit guide our hearts and minds, or are we just checking off a box?

What about worship in truth?

Jesus adds that we must worship in truth. This means that our worship is based on a real understanding of who God is. It’s rooted in the truth of Scripture and the reality of God’s character. Worship in spirit without truth can become emotionalism — a vague sense of connection without a firm foundation. But worship in truth without spirit can become dry and mechanical, just going through the motions without real engagement.

Think about your own worship: Do you feel deeply connected to God, and is that connection grounded in the truth of His Word?

Why does this matter today?

In our modern world, it’s easy to let worship become just another part of our schedule. We attend church, sing the songs, say the prayers, but it’s possible to go through the motions without engaging our spirit. Jesus calls us to something more — to a worship that’s alive, personal, and real.

God desires our hearts, not just our attendance. He wants us to connect with Him in a way that transforms us from the inside out. Worshipping in spirit and in truth allows us to move beyond ritual and enter into a real relationship with the living God. It’s not about getting everything right on the outside; it’s about letting God work deeply on the inside.

Next time you’re in a moment of worship — whether it’s at church, at home, or anywhere in between — pause and ask yourself: Am I worshipping in spirit and in truth? Am I fully engaged with God? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my heart and mind, while grounding my worship in the truth of who God is?

Rekindling Our Heart for Worship

In Malachi 1, the people of Israel express their frustration and weariness with serving the Lord, implying that it’s too hard to follow His commands. They turned their noses up at the sacrifices they were asked to make, offering blemished animals and half-hearted service. What was intended to be an act of devotion had become a begrudging task, and their worship reflected a spirit of apathy. They essentially complained that serving God was a burden rather than a privilege, a sign that their hearts had wandered far from Him.

The people of Malachi’s day had returned from exile, and though they had rebuilt the temple, their spiritual fervor had waned. The passion and hope that accompanied their return had cooled into a mechanical routine, one that lacked true devotion. The priests, meant to lead the people in reverent worship, were themselves dishonoring God by accepting unacceptable sacrifices. God, through Malachi, rebukes them, reminding them that He is a great King and deserves honor and reverence, not half-hearted offerings.

This same attitude can be found today. We may not bring animals to the altar, but we are often guilty of a similar complacency. How many times do we approach our faith with a “good enough” attitude? How often do we view serving the Lord as something burdensome, offering only what we feel we can spare—our leftover time, attention, or energy? The people of Malachi’s time lost sight of the greatness of God, and we, too, can be guilty of treating our relationship with Him as a mere obligation rather than an act of love and devotion.

There’s also the temptation to focus on how hard it can feel to follow God’s commands. In our modern lives, full of distractions and competing priorities, we can easily slip into thinking that obeying the Lord requires too much. Maybe we’re busy with work, overwhelmed with family responsibilities, or simply exhausted by the pace of life, and suddenly, reading Scripture, praying, or being involved in our church seems like just one more thing to add to the list. But this mindset misses the point entirely. God’s commands, like those given to Israel, are meant to draw us closer to Him, to foster life and spiritual flourishing, not to burden us. When we approach them as if they’re too hard or not worth our full attention, we dishonor God, just as Israel did.

Instead of turning our noses up at what God asks of us, we’re called to reframe our perspective. Service to the Lord is not about checking boxes or fulfilling obligations. It’s a response to the immense love and grace He has shown us. When we shift our mindset from “How much do I have to do?” to “How can I give my best to God?” our faith moves from a place of drudgery to a place of joy. Our service becomes a privilege, and our hearts realign with the worship and honor that God deserves.

In every era, from Malachi’s day to today, God calls His people to honor Him not with bare minimum effort but with hearts that recognize the incredible privilege of knowing and serving Him. Let’s challenge ourselves to give God our best, not just our leftovers, remembering that His commands are not burdens but opportunities to grow closer to Him. When we give Him our whole heart, our service becomes a source of joy and fulfillment, not something we begrudge. God is worthy of our full devotion—may we never see serving Him as too hard or too much to ask.

Depth in the Details

Sometimes, as we go through Scripture, we encounter sections that can feel difficult to draw insights from. Lists of names, genealogies, and city assignments might seem irrelevant to us today, but every part of Scripture is inspired by God and holds a purpose. Even if it doesn’t seem obvious at first, if we are willing to look deeper, there is always something to learn and apply. Today’s reading from Nehemiah 11-12 and 1 Chronicles 9 is a great example. Let’s dig into what we can uncover when we approach these passages with a mind and heart open to God’s teaching.

1. Faithfulness in Everyday Callings The people mentioned in Nehemiah 11-12 and 1 Chronicles 9 weren’t all prophets, kings, or warriors. Many were priests, gatekeepers, or simply inhabitants of the city. Yet, God saw fit to include their names and roles in Scripture. This reminds us that God values faithfulness in all areas of life, even in roles that may seem ordinary. Whether we serve in front of large crowds or work behind the scenes, our contributions matter to God. Every role plays a part in His bigger plan, and faithfulness in our calling brings glory to Him.

2. God’s Care for Community In these chapters, we see an emphasis on the importance of community. Nehemiah is careful to note who lives in Jerusalem and who is assigned to surrounding towns. This reminds us that God has always valued people living in community, caring for one another, and working together. For us today, the principle remains the same: God calls us to live in fellowship with other believers, supporting each other and serving together. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in community, where we can grow together and glorify God in unity.

3. Worship as a Priority A significant portion of Nehemiah 12 focuses on the priests and Levites, who led the people in worship and service at the temple. This serves as a reminder of the centrality of worship in our lives. Worship is not just something we do on Sundays; it is a lifestyle of devotion to God. Whether we are at home, work, or church, worship should be at the heart of all we do. God deserves our praise and honor, and we are called to live our lives as an offering of worship to Him.

4. The Importance of Generational Faithfulness Genealogies and lists of family members in 1 Chronicles 9 show how generations of families remained faithful in their service to God. This speaks to the importance of passing down faith through the generations. It’s a call for us today to invest in the spiritual growth of our children and to create a legacy of faith that endures. Whether as parents, mentors, or leaders in the church, we play a role in helping others grow in their relationship with God, ensuring the faith is passed down to the next generation.

5. God’s Faithfulness to His Promises Finally, these chapters remind us of God’s faithfulness. The people returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding their community were a fulfillment of God’s promises to bring His people back after exile. God never forgets His promises, and He is always faithful to His word. Even when life takes unexpected turns, we can trust that God is working all things according to His plan and that He will fulfill His promises to us as well.

As we close, it’s important to remember that while some passages of Scripture may seem harder to engage with, there is always something to learn. The Bible is rich with wisdom, and when we dig deeper, we find that God uses every word to reveal Himself and teach us more about who He is and who we are called to be. So, when you come across those challenging sections, don’t skim past them—look closer, because there’s always treasure to be found.

God’s Blueprint for Restoration: What Ezekiel 40 Teaches Us Today

In Ezekiel 40, we encounter a remarkable vision that paints a vivid picture of hope and restoration. Set during a time of exile for the Israelites, this passage offers a glimpse of a future temple that symbolizes God’s enduring presence among His people. While the detailed measurements and structures may seem overwhelming at first glance, there’s a crucial takeaway that resonates deeply with our lives today: God is committed to restoration, and He has a plan for us.

Imagine Ezekiel standing on a high mountain, surveying a magnificent temple designed by God Himself. This temple is more than just a building; it represents a fresh start for a people who have faced immense loss and disappointment. The specifics of the temple, from its dimensions to its gates, reveal God’s intention for a place where His presence can dwell among His people again. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how far we feel from God or how broken our lives may seem, He desires to bring us back to a place of relationship with Him.

One interesting aspect of this vision is the way it emphasizes order and structure. God didn’t leave the design of the temple to chance; He provided meticulous details to ensure it reflected His holiness and glory. This careful planning invites us to consider how we approach our own lives and relationships. Are we allowing God to bring order and structure to our spiritual journeys?

In our fast-paced, chaotic world, it’s easy to feel disoriented and disconnected. Yet, Ezekiel’s vision encourages us to seek God’s presence and allow Him to guide us toward restoration. Just as the temple was a central place of worship for the Israelites, we too need spaces—both physical and spiritual—where we can encounter God. This could be a quiet corner in our homes, a favorite spot in nature, or even within our church community.

Moreover, the temple represents a fresh start and a call to renewal. Just as the Israelites were offered a chance to return to worship after exile, we are also invited to embrace the new beginnings God offers us. Whether it’s letting go of past mistakes, healing from hurt, or rebuilding relationships, God wants us to know that restoration is always possible.

As we reflect on Ezekiel 40, let’s remember that God is always at work to restore and renew us. He has a blueprint for our lives, and His plans are filled with hope. So, let’s take the time to seek Him, invite His presence into our lives, and trust in His promise of restoration, knowing that no matter where we’ve been, we can always find our way back to Him.

Perverting Worship

Worship is more than singing songs or performing rituals; it is the expression of our reverence, love, and obedience to God. True worship is rooted in the recognition of God’s holiness, majesty, and authority. It involves aligning our hearts and actions with God’s will, living in a way that honors Him.

In Ezekiel 8, we see a vivid example of how Israel perverted worship. God gave Ezekiel a vision of the temple in Jerusalem, where idolatrous practices were being conducted in secret. The people had turned the temple, the very place dedicated to God’s holy presence, into a house of idols. The leaders and priests, who were supposed to guide the people in true worship, were themselves engaged in corrupt practices. They thought they could hide their sins, saying, “The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land” (Ezekiel 8:12, NLT). But God did see, and He was grieved by how they had desecrated His sanctuary.

This passage serves as a warning to us today. While we may not bow to physical idols, we can still fall into the trap of idolatry. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives—whether it be success, money, relationships, or even religious traditions—can become an idol. We must be vigilant in examining our hearts and our worship practices to ensure that they are truly centered on God.

Jesus emphasized that true worshipers will worship the Father in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NLT). This means our worship must be sincere, coming from a heart that is fully devoted to God, and it must be in accordance with His truth as revealed in Scripture. Let us strive to keep our worship pure and focused on God alone, avoiding the mistakes of Israel by not allowing anything to corrupt our devotion to Him.

Sing to the Lord. Do it Now.

Just a quick thought today. Several times throughout the Psalms we are told to sing to the Lord. Not the more broad “worship”, but specifically singing. Why? Let’s pop that question in our pockets for a sentence or two while I describe my ideal Sunday service for you all.

I would like to see an extended time of worship, 20-30 minutes devoted to worship in song. Perhaps with other creative elements like scripture reading or videos, but mostly worship in song. This would be followed by a 30-minute message expositing God’s word. Then another closing song of response that matches the theme of the message. Perhaps a jubilant anthem, perhaps a somber acoustic reflection.

Why structure it this way? And why give as much time to worship in song and to the study of the Word of God? This is where we pull out that question from earlier. Why does the Psalmist so often encourage us to worship in song? Because I believe that while the sermon engages the head, music engages the heart!

Psalm 96 even says that we should sing to the nations! We should WITNESS through song! That’s what I believe as well. The music draws a tender heart toward God. The message equips a willing mind with His truth. And then the mandate moves a submitted hands to do the work of the Lord.

Heart. Head. Hands.

Repeat.

A Pleasing Aroma

Just a quick thought today. If you have been reading along you’ll have noticed that the phrase “a pleasing aroma to God” has appeared a great many times in Genesis, Exodus, and especially Leviticus. Depending on what translation you use this phrase pops up some 43 times in the Old Testament.

But what does it mean? We burn a bull or a ram or a sheep or a pigeon and that is a “pleasing aroma” to God? Maybe He just really likes BBQ? He’s a well-done guy I guess… but the same is true when it’s bread being converted to charcoal on the altar as well. And ain’t no one likes charcoaled bread.

So what does it mean? It’s pretty simple, really. It’s not the smoked meat that God is enjoying, it’s the smell of obedience. The scent of demonstrated love. The fragrance of reconciliation. And how can we be sure of this? The Apostle Paul writes the following in Ephesians 5:2 (NLT), “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” God wasn’t pleased that Jesus died, but he was pleased that this act of sacrificial obedience opened the floodgates of restoration for a broken people made in the image of their loving creator.

And our daily acts of worship are the same. They are a sweet smell to God. So make sure you spend some time today, and tomorrow, and the day after that creating a pleasing aroma of worship, love, and devotion to the Lord.

Be blessed, my friends.

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