The law of worship
Deuteronomy 6:13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
Worship is a posture of the heart. Many believe that turning on their favorite worship song and singing is worship. That is part of worship, but true worship is not based solely on singing. Worship is a lifestyle of honor unto God. Worship is obedience. It goes beyond getting goosebumps when the presence of the Lord fills a room. True worship can only be achieved through surrender. God invites us to commune with Him. His spirit helps us develop the ability to hear God's voice, obey His instructions, and follow His guidance. Worship also extends to expressing God’s heart and thoughts.
There was a season of my life when all I needed was quiet mornings, my bible, and a good worship song to start my day. I call it the infant stage of my walk with God. God calls us out of darkness, cleanses us, so that we can contain new wine. From the beginning, God was clear about the form of worship He accepts. Over the years, the Lord taught me what true worship means. It shifted my perspective on worship. I stopped striving and submitted to become a vessel of honor. Worship took me away from the love of the world and into more profound reverence for God. I worship God when I honor my husband and love others.
One of the toughest tests of worship is obedience. It is a test of our adoration of God. Worship exposes idols in our lives. As we grow in love with God, we begin to hate what He hates and love what He loves. Our authenticity of devotion will be tested through fire. Trials deepen our relationship with God. God tests us to reveal the condition of our hearts. This is not for His benefit, but rather for us to measure our spiritual growth. Take Abraham and the sacrifice of his son, Isaac. God tested Abraham with the very promise He had given to him. The test was designed to prove that he had not made an idol of the son.
Revelations 2:4 Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
The foundation of worship is love. We can't have the fear of God and leave Him out of parts of our lives. We can’t worship God and not abide by His laws and apply fundamental principles for covenant blessings. Worship also involves deep reverence for Him. Scripture warns us to keep our lamps filled with oil and live a life of holiness until the Lord returns. To avoid lukewarmness, it is our responsibility to ensure nothing takes our focus off God. Worship should be a part of every believer’s life. Love draws us closer to God and makes us obedient to His commands.
Have you noticed that after every act of obedience, victory, or test in the Old Testament, an altar was built unto the Lord? This act of worship was intended to commemorate an experience and spiritual exchange with God. Worship is a currency to trade in the realm of the spirit. When they obeyed God, they gained victory over their enemies. When man disobeys, they suffer defeat. The Old Testament provides extensive detail on worship and sacrifice. What are you willing to sacrifice for God?
Satanists know this. They perform rituals, blood sacrifices, and worship to receive blessings from their god. They don’t care if it costs them their soul. They only seek results. Satanists understand worship and sacrifice more than some believers do. They know that trade is a means to an end, in exchange for popularity and financial success. Worship positions us to serve God His way and exposes areas that would keep us from experiencing him in new ways. Worship builds trust with God, making way for more supernatural experiences that glorify Him.
Matthew 5:24 Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
The conversation on worship did not end in the Old Testament. It continues today, but not in the way most think or behave. Although we are not required to build altars for worship, we are responsible for maintaining the holiness of our bodies, which host the spirit of God, so that we can commune with Him. Our bodies are the temples in which worship is expressed. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection exemplified the ultimate sacrifice and worship of God. What Jesus did was not something to be taken lightly. His sacrifice defeated the enemy. Jesus’ blood speaks on our behalf. Everyone who accepts Him as Lord comes into a covenant with God.
As sons of God, we must understand the benefits and the terms of the blood covenant. It is a flawless trade agreement in the realm of the spirit. The penalty for sin was eternal separation from God. We have risen from death to life through Christ Jesus. Our reasonable service is to present ourselves holy and acceptable unto God. It is the sacrifice that pleases the Lord.
We must move beyond the mindset that worship is a planned place and time. We should not schedule God into our day; instead, invite Him into every part of it. You don’t need a prayer room. It is not a requirement. It is a lovely gesture, and it is fine if you choose a room to meet God, but He is already with you. The Holy Spirit is within you. The altar is in you. If it were a requirement, Jesus or the Apostles would have said it. Let it not become religious and glorify these acts. God does not take pleasure in the things we think He does.
Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’
God delights in those whose hearts are submitted to Him. That is true worship—persons who adore Him worship in spirit and truth. Worship is ingrained in every fiber of our being. It is expressed in our actions, more than our words. God goes beyond words. He searches the complexity of our hearts. Only the Lord can prompt us to reveal the deep and deceiving thoughts of our hearts. Scripture tells us that our hearts can deceive us. God goes deep to remove the impurities that clog the heart from total surrender to God.
Worship songs inspired by the Holy Spirit can create an environment that welcomes the King of Glory. It sets the atmosphere, but it is the posture of our hearts that draws God into that meeting space. The study of the Temple of Jerusalem reveals what worship and sacrifice God expects of us to this day. Nothing impure is allowed to pass beyond the first phase of the temple. God expects us to keep his temple clean.
Our advocate is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is preparing a place for us. The good news is that we no longer have to sacrifice animals. There are many teachings available; be cautious not to let them divert you from the truth. A humble heart and a contrite spirit are what God requires. Even fasting when not done according to God’s order is detestable to Him. Nothing should be done in vain glory, or God will reject it.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Three components lead to authentic worship. Repentance, resisting the enemy, and knowledge. True worship transforms us into the image of Christ. There is visible evidence of an encounter with God. We see that in the life of Moses, after the burning bush and mountain-top experiences with God. David slaying the giant. Joshua led the children of Israel into he promised land, and Elijah did not experience death. In the New Testament, we see that this is also true of the disciples, the women who faithfully followed Jesus, and the apostles who came after the original twelve. They lived holy lives unto death. It was noticeable to everyone. They fasted and prayed, but they were never required to drink special cocktails or bedazzle altars. They understood worship was not in their acts but in their surrender. We must examine our lives to ensure that we are not following doctrines of men.
The early church worshiped God and did great exploits. They had supernatural experiences and were never the same again. They understood that worship was a transaction, and faith is the currency. One act of worship to God establishes an insurance policy of right standing with God. Our worship provides us with joy, peace, and an abundant life in the Lord. May we not use grace to sin against God, but to live up to the standard He set in His manual. Worship requires a stripping away of old mindsets, habits, agreements, practices, idolatry, and rebellion against God.
God is Holy and requires sacrifices of a specific kind, with no blemishes. This remains unchanged. The Lord invites us to the brazen altar for purification and refinement. He removes the stain of sin. We can’t do it on our own. This is the purpose of the Holy Spirit. He leads us to all truth. The Holy place is where we meet with God through prayer. Consistent reading and study of the Word allows us to develop the mind and character of God. Obedience is matured as we commune with God. Love grows as we get to know the spirit of God—the spirit of wisdom, understanding, and power.
We get to know God as the righteous judge and delight in the fear of the Lord. It is at this stage that we learn to discern the voice of God and allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us, resulting in spontaneous and inspired worship that fosters a deeper intimacy with God. The Holy of Holies of the secret place is where the Holy Spirit shares secrets, gives revelation, foresight, and instructions to do God's will. Know that it is the Holy Spirit that trains you. Rely on Him to worship God in spirit and truth.
