January 15, 2025

PASSIONATE WORSHIP FOR GOD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalms 100:1-5 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

A few days ago, we had two teams playing for the college world football championship. The stadium was packed with passionate fans who spent lots of money to attend this event. They were there to cheer their team on to victory.

I personally enjoy college football. I love the emotions that shift frequently throughout a game. The fans are exhausted and often hoarse from all their shouting and screaming. They are passionate about their team.

Can we be this passionate about our worship for God? 

When I first attended a college football game no one had to tell me how to cheer. No one had to say, “It is okay to clap your hands when your team does something good. And it’s okay to stand up and shout, it is even ok to raise your hands in celebration.”

My natural reaction to my team’s good play was to shout, clap, stand, and cheer. I got caught up in the emotions of the crowd. It was easy to become passionate.

I can get passionate about football alone in my home watching on TV. While I may not stand and shout all the time there are occasions when I will give a shout of excitement at a great play. (Cindy can also get excited when she knows the teams.)

Part of this time of prayer and fasting is to awaken a new level of passion in our hearts for the things of God. During this time, I encourage you to take some of your prayer time to worship God. If you need encouragement put on some worship music. Sing with the music. Lift your hands in surrender to the awesomeness of God. 

This should be a time when we sense a new level of passion for the things of God. We should be able to weep in awe of His grace and mercy. We should be broken by His provisions and blessings on our lives. 

Don’t make this time of prayer and fasting all about getting something from God. Being sure to worship is a part of the process. God inhabits the praises of His people. We should want Him more than His blessings. 

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit help me to be a worshipper. Show me how to be a passionate follower of Christ. Let my heart be broken by Your grace and mercy. 

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”