|
Travel Tidbit - Entering Into His Dwelling Place
|
Travel Tidbit – Entering Into His Dwelling Place
In case you’re interested, I’ve attended quite a smorgasbord of churches so far:
3 Southern Baptist
1 American Baptist
1 Independent Baptist
3 Non-denominational
1 Four Square
1 Methodist
1 Lutheran
1 Catholic
1 Episcopal
1 Assembly of God
I’ve felt welcome and loved everywhere. I’ve been asked to teach Sunday School twice and have been introduced from the pulpit as an author. I’ve laughed, cried, and winced in worship services and have learned something at each church I’ve visited. I’ve been to several church fellowships and have made many new friends. I’m overwhelmed with how carefully God has handpicked each church for this journey.
Possibly the most important thing the Pocket Full of Quarter’s journeys have taught me about worship is that my worship experience has more to do with my state of mind than what actually happens in the worship service.
I now realize that worship is for God and that He has created me with a need to worship Him. Yes, God dwells in my heart and I can (and do) worship Him privately but nothing meets my needs as much as worship with other believers in Christ. Something unique happens when believers gather expectantly in Jesus’ name.
Matt 18:20
For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
NASU
To my surprise, I’ve found out I can worship:
When the pastor is boring, talks too long, or uses bad grammar.
When the singer sings in the wrong key.
With any kind of music.
When the pastor is yelling or pointing fingers.
When I hear doctrine I disagree with.
When people are rude.
When I’m tired or hungry.
When it’s too hot or too cold.
When the sound system is bad.
When raising hands, clapping, dancing, or standing like a statue.
When I can’t understand the pastor due to a strong accent.
When a church refuses me communion.
When no one speaks to me.
When a church is openly prejudiced or mean spirited.
I still prefer good music, preaching, grammar, and sound systems but the lack thereof no longer hampers my worship. I’ve learned that when I arrive in a spirit of expectation and look for the hand of God in worship, God is glorified and He meets my need for worship.
As I enter God’s dwelling place and join my spirit with God and other believers, I experience a touch of what heaven must be like. What a privilege it is to worship at His footstool. Holy is He!
Ps 99:5
Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; Holy is He.
NASU
Ps 132:7
Let us go into His dwelling place; Let us worship at His footstool.
NASU
|
|