Hey Church!
What do you think would happen if each of us came to worship this Sunday prioritizing what we can give, rather than what we can receive?
I think the answer, ironically, is that by emptying yourself, you will be filled.
Naturally, we all “go to church” to be fed by the Word, to be refreshed by the Spirit, and to leave feeling like our spiritual gas tanks were refilled. Those are good desires! But what if those things all happened as an ancillary benefit of setting our minds, first, toward the goal of feeding others the Word, helping everyone around us be refreshed by the Spirit, and offering a truly costly sacrifice of worship to God?
By pouring yourself out in this way, you may find that your tank has been filled to overflowing.
Here are a few ways you might reprogram your approach to worship in that way this weekend:
- “God, show me how I can be a blessing to someone today.” Make that your continual prayer throughout the morning. If He gives you a word for someone, or a particular need arises that you can address, step out in faith and do it!
- Decide tonight what your offering of praise and worship (sacrifice) will be. What about God is particularly praiseworthy to you? And what is His Spirit calling you to lay down?
- Sing out loud. Not quietly or “in your heart” but with a loud voice! It is true that God hears your heart, but we, your fellow journeymen, can only be encouraged by your praise if you voice it out loud. And we need encouragement.
- Stick around for a while after the service. See what God does when you bump shoulders with strangers and have meaningful conversations.
- How can you serve in a more disciplined, regular way? If you feel a burden to prayer, join our prayer team; if you notice an operational hole somewhere, step into the gap and help us be better at that thing, whatever it may be; if you play an instrument, come audition for the worship team; if you’re great with kids, join the Kids’ team! The list of opportunities is a mile long, so take your pick!
Come ready to give God and the Church your whole self this Sunday! Pour yourself out and just watch how the Spirit fills you back up. I look forward to worshiping with you all!
Your brother,
Ryan