Wholehearted Worship
WHOLEHEARTED WORSHIP
Read Psalm 111:1-10.
“Praise the Lord,” sang Erin as she wrote a note inviting Bethany over for the afternoon.
Although Erin continued to sing, bowed her head during prayer, and sat quietly during the sermon, her mind was planning what she and Bethany could do together. She knew she should be paying attention to the service but thought, The Lord will understand. He knows I’m excited about Bethany coming.
Bethany did go home with Erin. After dinner she noticed a book on Erin’s dresser. “Have you finished this? Could I borrow it?”
“Sure,” agreed Erin. Bethany sat down and began to leaf through the book. Although she murmured replies to what Erin said, she was soon so interested in the book that she didn’t care about doing anything with Erin. “I really want to read this. You understand, don’t you?” said Bethany. Erin felt hurt and disappointed.
That evening Erin again went to church with her family. Once more she had Bethany on her mind. She said she wanted to be my friend, but she didn’t want to do anything with me, Erin thought. As she thought about the day, she again felt some guilt for not paying attention to the worship service. Oh well. I’m upset about Bethany, she thought. The Lord understands. Then she remembered Bethany’s words, “You understand, don’t you?”
The Lord must feel as disappointed with me as I felt with Bethany, thought Erin.
Erin began singing praises with the others. This time she put her whole heart into it.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you worship God in church? Or do you write notes and whisper to friends? Remember that the Lord wants more than your presence in the church service. He wants your wholehearted worship.
TO MEMORIZE:
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Matthew 15:8
WORSHIP WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART.
From the book
