True worship

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1 NIV

As the music played and I lifted my heart and hands up in adoration of the Father, my mind drifted forward a week. Here I was worshiping within four walls alongside my church family. But next week, at the very same time, I would be worshiping outside those four walls on the Bass Pro Marathon course surrounded by believers and non-believers alike. There would be no praise band, no lights, no offering plate, no sermon, and no pastor. But what there will be is one very grateful and joyful worshiper running with hands lifted high to pay honor to and exalt the Savior of her soul. 

And while there are numerous definitions of the word worship. One in particular expresses why, "in view of God's mercy," worship should be a lifestyle and not just a Sunday morning routine. Worship is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission (Websters Dictionary, 1828). True worship then comes when God is first in our lives. It's an outpouring of the love in our heart for the Savior that cannot be stopped and is expressed by our passion to offer our "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God."

So whether you're in your home, at work, on the missions field, or in a church on Sunday morning, make knowing and honoring God by the way you live your first priority. This is not only "pleasing to God" my friend, but has the power to lead others to the Cross. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a merciful and compassionate God. We are all sinners deserving of death and yet You continue to pour out Your blessings upon us. You are the Creator of all things and yet You love us intimately. In light of that, may we worship You for who You are and offer our lives up each and every day as a living sacrifice. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

You're worthy of my praise - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dz0AdcM5s4