Monday, 2 May 2022
TRUE PRAISE AND WORSHIP
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3).
The Church of Jesus Christ has come of age. Some of the things the Lord tolerated in the past, even though they didn’t make much spiritual sense, are now being corrected. This is because He’s perfecting the Church for the coming of the Lord. For example, true worship and true praise in the house of God: many don’t understand what it is. Some think that when they dance themselves high in church, they’re really praising and worshipping God. But dancing in the flesh is neither praise nor worship.
What is praise? And what is worship? Worship is the recognition and appreciation of the reality, blessings, character and greatness of God. This recognition and appreciation, we express in prayer, sacrifice and service. In the New Testament, we offer spiritual sacrifices called praise (Hebrews 13:15, 1 Peter 2:5, Psalm 69:30-31). Hence, praise is an expression of worship. When we praise God, we’re worshipping Him. When you say, “Lord, you’re good; you’re kind, gracious and loving; you’ve blessed me, you’re righteous, etc., you’re defining, recognizing, and appreciating His character and His works.
Praise is the fruit of our lips — giving thanks to God (Hebrews 13:15). So, in worship or praise, you’re SAYING something to God thankfully. This profuse expression of appreciation of His character and personality in words of thanksgiving should be from the heart; that is the spirit, not the flesh.
The dancing that most people do in many churches is in the flesh. That may have its place outside the church. In the New Testament, you don’t dance in the flesh to worship God. Dancing in the flesh is based on the beat of the music. When the beat changes, the dance changes.
If you’re inspired to dance, it should be in the spirit and by the Spirit. The dance may not even synchronize or follow the beat of the drums. In such situations, you’ll find yourself jumping, spinning, rejoicing in and from your spirit. We’re the true circumcision who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3).
PRAYER: Gracious heavenly Father, I worship you today for your love, kindness and grace manifested in my life. You’re great and greatly to be praised. I extol your greatness and worship your holy Name, for there’s none like you; your kingdom is forever, your reign is everlasting! You’re the only true and wise God. To you be all glory, honour, majesty, dominion and praise, forever and ever. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 47:6-7; Psalm 69:30-31; Hebrews 13:15 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 24:36-53 & 2 Samuel 12-14
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 & Psalm 145-146