42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Acts 2: 42-43
Unusually our skies here in the UK have been filled with the northern lights the last couple of nights, causing people to stay up into the early hours to see the majestic sight. Many believers who see them are reminded of scenes of God's throne room in the book of Revelation where believers worship in the heavenly realm. The word worship is often reduced in our minds to the act of singing songs about God on a Sunday morning, but worship is so much more, and ideally a whole life activity.
As we think about living a balanced Christian life, as a follower of Jesus, trying to live life his way it is good to keep things simple and remember God is into relationship. God wants meaningful, loving relationships with each of us. As Billy Graham says:
"Remember: He WANTS your fellowship, and He has done everything possible to make it a reality. He has forgiven your sins, at the cost of His own dear Son. He has given you His Word, and the priceless privilege of prayer and worship."
Our worship should be the natural outflow of love from a thankful heart that results in a life orientated towards Jesus our Saviour, healer, baptiser and soon coming King. As Martin Luther King Jr said "worship is as natural to the human family as the sing of the sun is to the cosmic order."
So in this time of reflection lets consider our worship asking ourselves whether in the busyness of our lives our worship is still natural overflow of love towards God. Whether we are rightly remembering and thankful for his forgiveness, His Word, and the privilege of ongoing fellowship that will last for all eternity? And let's take some time today and express our thanks through prayer, praise and service.
Father God, we thank-you today that you invite us into a life of worship and fellowship. We thank you that as your servant C.S Lewis says "it is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence…" May we recognise your presence, know you more through our worship and be strengthened in our relationship with you. Amen.
28 You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118 NIV