Spirit-Filled Acts of Worship
At the end of every day comes the drain on our vitality. There may be bad news from the newspaper, radio, TV, a telephone conversation or in a letter. Worry and tension have a way of draining away our energy, but let’s think for a few minutes about a healthy menu which can revitalize us and keep us going throughout the day with enthusiasm and joy. When we live our life as an expression of worship to God, we make the world a more beautiful place because we are His and He is ours and as we become the person God intends us to be, we will discover and develop the God-given potential, possibilities and gifts that He has poured into us. By developing these possibilities, we become an instrument for God to use in this world, an instrument of life, help and healing. He can transform everything we do from dull routine into a spirit-filled act of worship.
MONDAY
Begin with the anticipation of a good week. Each day should begin with prayer. Think of all the spiritual promises that belong to you and me and to every living child of God. We are daughters of a King and if we want to live like one, we must lay hold of the abundant life Jesus came to give us. Love must be foremost in our lives, love to God and to our fellowman.
Matthew 25:40 (Jesus speaking)
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
TUESDAY
Focus today on the word “enthusiasm”. The Greek word for enthusiasm means in God. In Luke 19:1-10 we read the beautiful story of Zacchaeus. What enthusiasm he displayed in his effort to see Jesus.
Luke 19:5
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Luke 19:19
And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
God knows the intent and desires of each heart.
Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Matthew 12:34 (Jesus speaking)
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
So, let’s watch our words.
WEDNESDAY
Regular vitality can best be maintained when you go about your daily activities with a sense of rhythm. The whole universe God created operates in a specific pattern. Day follows night; season follows season. So, too, does life, all about us. Our workload at times gets heavy and sometimes we over-exert ourselves. We get out of rhythm and fatigue sets in. If we are lazy and listless, life passes us by and we have a wasted life. We must condition ourselves to make the most of each day. The 23rd Psalm will refresh us as He restoreth our souls.
Psalm 23:3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
THURSDAY
The use of praise is an important step in maintaining vitality. Make all your prayers ones of praise to your Creator.
There is a song that says, “I didn’t come here to ask you for anything. I just came to talk with You, Lord. You’ve answered a million prayers or more that I forgot to thank You for. I just came to talk with You, Lord.”
Matthew 11:28 (Jesus speaking)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Sometimes we aren’t aware of how great our God is and how He longs to give us life abundantly.
FRIDAY
Reread the story of creation with reverence and awe and remember that we were made in the image of God. Let’s examine ourselves and see how far we have drifted away from God, our image. Don’t judge anyone, for only God is capable of judging. Let’s be as little children with a forgiving attitude and respond in the spirit of love. Visit a shut-in. Call a friend who might be lonely, bereaved or needs encouragement. Give as God has given to you.
Ecclesiastes 11:1
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
Give generously for your gifts will return.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
1 Corinthians 13:3
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
SATURDAY
Search your heart. Would you be comfortable, based on your past behavior, if you were to meet God right now? Remember, He is keeping a record. Have days passed that we haven’t helped to lift someone’s burden, helped to dry a tear from someone’s eye, encouraged some soul, looked for the good in other people? Remember, they have to do the same for us. Have you shared Jesus with someone? Remember, if He’s worth having, He’s worth sharing. Live a life surrendered to God so that others might see Him, His indwelling lived out through your life.
SUNDAY
Vitality cannot be maintained without a day of rest. God knew this when He created us.
Exodus 20:8,9
8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work.
Exodus 31:17
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
So, begin your worship by prayer and going to the House of God with the sole intent of worship. Drop from your mind all worries and concerns so that you can concentrate on Him. Put God into every thought and from this restful day will come the refreshment you need to begin another busy week.
