Worthy of Worship (Part 2 of Developing a Devoted Family)

 

 

Psalm 145: 3-7  Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise… I will meditate on your wonderful works… and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

 OUR RESPONSE TO GOD

Worship is the Christian's highest privilege.  It is one of the blessings we will still be experiencing eternity!  Hebrews 12:28 reveals the reason and attitude for worshiping the LORD: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."

Worship that involves God's Word motivates our openness and honesty>>>then the Holy Spirit prompts sincere repen­tance>>>which moves us to appreciate the depth of God's grace>>>and that, again, prompts us to worship.  The circle continues.

How do we teach children about worship?   Perhaps a child-size definition would be, “giving compliments to God.”  To pay someone an honest compliment, we first need to get to know that person.  As our children learn about God's personality and presence (Immanuel: God-with-us!), they will start to realize His worthiness of our praise.  They will also become more aware of the undeserved blessings He graciously distributes.  Moms and dads demonstrate praise as they honor God for the "ordinary" details of spiritual and physical life.

Unlike physical needs, spiritual hunger is not always apparent.  When do you need to drink from Jesus' well of living water?  What most often motivates you to do so?  Have you noticed the more you learn about God and His word, your appetite for it increases?   Ask family members to share how they have experienced this.

One way we can assess our spiritual needs, is by noting what DOESN'T bother us.   If I don't watch TV for a long time and then catch a sitcom, my spiritual conscience will take offense at the many times God's name is used flippantly.  But if I continue to watch that type of show week after week, the blasphemy doesn’t bother me anymore.  Later, when those same commandment-breaking phrases slip out of my own mouth, I might then realize how desensitized I have become.  The adage, "garbage in--garbage out," holds true for more than computers.  I need to get back to the Source that teaches, "Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths...." (Ephesians 4:29).

When athletes train for a competition, they warm up and stretch their muscles before working out.  Our spiritual muscles need to be in shape for workouts against various temptations, complacency, sin and Satan.  Family prayer and home worship will warm and stretch us for the spiritual battle for our time, thoughts and actions.  

   

God's purposes for life come into focus as we dig into Scripture.  Encountering the Almighty's power through the Word is our soul's only source of pure refreshment. The more we study it, the more we will ask God to guide our goals and decisions.  And it is His will that each member of our families would "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18). While the Bible is God's love letter to us, worship is our love song response.  Worshippers are reinforced by His Word, and encouraged in service from and for God.  It's a celebration of grace-gifts through offering a "sacrifice of praise."

  

YOUR TURN: FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

 

When Jesus told his disciples, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear" he gave examples of the Heavenly Father's provision for our physical needs (Luke 12:22-31). Look up the following references and list how God provides for our needs. .

 

      Isaiah 40:8

      Ephesians 2:10

      Ephesians 4:11-13

      Psalm 34:17,18

      I Thessalonians 4:1-9

 

Ask your family to share examples of God’s provisions in their daily lives. Make a list together with words, drawings or photos.