This is the second devotional in our series written for Worship Camp 2008, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. This was written by the Worship Director of my church, Chesterfield Presbyterian Church, who is teaching keyboards at the camp this week.
by Ryan McMillen
"As you come to him, the living Stone-rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:4-5
Have you ever come to worship discouraged? Have you come reluctant because your life does not reflect the way of life God calls us to in his word? Perhaps you feel that you have nothing to offer to God in worship, or wonder if it even makes a difference whether or not you worship him. Because we fail to live the holy life that God requires, it's easy to think we should avoid meeting with him, singing, praying, and reading his word. But the Bible tells us that it is what God does in these times of worship that matters most.
When we come to worship, God is at work building us up into the people he wants us to be. He is using our worship to work in us, helping us grow and become more holy. In the hymn "Rock of Ages" the writer recognizes "nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling." When we humbly acknowledge our dependence on Jesus, we experience the blessing of fellowship with him in worship. And it is through Jesus that our times of worship glorify God. When our sin makes us feel like hiding or running from God, it is then that he invites us to come to him. As we keep Christ at the center of our worship, he builds us up and gives us strength to live a life of worship that glorifies Him.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for inviting us into your presence. When we see your holiness, we are humbled. Thank you Jesus for calling us your friends. And thank you, Holy Spirit, for encouraging us, and for working in us through our times of worship together. Amen.
© 2008 Ryan McMillen/Anchored Music Ministries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. No reproduction without written permission.
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