Do you know people like this? They are quick to get excited in worship when things are going well, but if things are not going so great, they will stand there—arms folded and lips closed tight. But that is not what God has called us to do. We are called to worship just as much (or more) in the bad times as we do in the good times. That's where the true sacrifice comes in to view.
When the money is low can you still offer up a song of praise? When you are suffering from a disease can you muster up the strength to lift your hands in surrender? When the world around you is falling apart—as in David's case—are you still going to offer your best to God?
You see, David could have taken all of Ornan's possessions and offered them for his sacrifice, but he made the choice to give out of his need.
1 Chr. 21:25 through 1 Chr. 21:27 (NKJV) 25So David gave Ornan six hundred shekels of gold by weight for the place. 26And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering. 27So the LORD commanded the angel, and he returned his sword to its sheath.
Because David made the right choice and gave out of his need and his pain, God responded to his sacrifice, and answered his prayer. True worship will take us to a place where God will respond. Does God respond to your worship? If not, maybe you need to examine your heart? Take a look at what you are offering to God. Is it someone else's offering, or is it something that comes from your heart in repentance and surrender? Does it come from a spirit of greed, or do you give it freely only to bless the Lord?
Experiencing Worship, The Study
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
Experiencing Worship, The Study