December 21, 2023: Give Him What is Due

Give Him What is Due

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“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.”

Luke 2:13

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Have you ever been in a sold out stadium for a sporting event? I’m thinking of a Badger Football game. There is a loud hum of busyness and chatter with the quantity of fans and action without even a single player on the field. The noise raises when they’re in play, and to a wild simultaneous roar of unison cheering, shouts, and leaping to feet when the home team scores.

Now exchange the fans for angels and the players for Jesus. The angels shouting and singing praises in unified worship to Jesus the Newborn King- God Incarnate- Immanuel- Prince of Peace- Messiah.

Can you see it? Are you able to imagine what that looks like, sounds like, and feels like? You’re standing in the unveiled presence of God. What does that feel like to you? And what would you do? Do you expect you’d find yourself unmoved and sitting in a chair? Shouldn’t it be greater than that of wild cheers for mere men?

I think the angels give us an image of what worship should look like. After all, we were created for worship.

Might you rise to your feet to give worship- because a King is there? Or perhaps you might kneel or bow before Him, showing Him honor and respect.

How do you find yourself giving praise and worship today? Are you unmoved sitting in a chair? Or are you moved to take another posture?

Let who God is move you, compel you to worship Him whole heartedly.  I am so grateful, no worship is the same. I love that. Because what He has done for me isn’t the same as what He has done for you.

The what often brings me to offer praise, shouts, and singing  but the Who, the character of who God is, brings me to my knees in worship.

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”But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”“

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭40‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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I made a decision a while ago. It was a personal one, not one I would presume anyone else has made.

I refuse to allow any inanimate object to offer the worship I should have. I take it seriously. I am willing to be foolish in my worship. Yes, willing. I don’t care if I’m made a fool for God. I never want my pride or self preservation to withhold what is due to God.

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”And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him. When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!”“

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭16‬, ‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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There is so much to say about worship. I could never cover it all in “this”. What I am advocating for is for God to get all your unrestrained worship poured out by a grateful heart saved by grace this Christmas.

Is there a better time?

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“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.“

John‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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”Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭29‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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What’s an act of worship that you’ve held back for any reason? We all have them. Are you able to offer it to Him this Christmas? Share in the comments below as an act of faith.

Prayer: Oh Lord! How I love to love you through my worship. Thank you for reminding me why I was made. Would you teach me to give you all my heart in surrendered worship to You. I never want to withhold what belongs to You. You are my God, my Lord, my Father, my Love. I am all Yours. In Jesus's name, amen.

Here are few verses for additional study on worship (what it looks like, who is it for, what it sounds like, and when does it happen):

Isaiah 43:21

Psalm 150:1-6

Psalm 95:6

Psalm 100:1-5

Psalm 149:1

Psalm 66:4

Psalm 34:1

Psalm 86:9

Revelation 4:11

Revelation 5:13

John 4:21-24

Matthew 4:10

Hebrews 13:15

Romans 11:36-12:1

Colossians 1:16

Colossians 3:16

1 Chronicles 16:29

Philippians 2:9-11

Ephesians 5:19

Ephesians 1:4-6

Worship

Today I encourage you to get into the secret place with the Lord and give Him your all. I know He will meet you wherever you are and the best part is He'll leave His mark on you and you'll never be the same.

I'd love to know your favorite Christmas song. Please share in comments below. Mine is "Oh, Holy Night". My favorite rendition is when my cousin Vanessa sings it. It stirs your soul something different and invites the presence of the Lord into the room.

There's a hodgepodge of photos here: my daughter caroling in the neighborhood, sheet music, candlelight services, and a place o worship.