Chats

After years of being with someone, have you ever spoken the same words simultaneously? Have you become so harmonized with your spouse that you even think alike? God wants his people to live in harmony with one another so that they are unified in their thinking. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 15:5, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁷Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

When we get to heaven, we will stand before God in worship with one voice. As I imagine what that will be like, I wonder about those who stay home from church because the people in the church are messy, and they become offended. God wants us to worship with other believers. Verse seven above says, “Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” If we don’t want to go to church, how are we to welcome each other as Christ welcomes us? Christ Jesus is going to welcome us when we get to heaven, so if we don’t care to welcome our fellow believers at church, then why do we want to go to heaven?

God wants us to be in harmony with each other in love. Colossians 3:14 states, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” You know if you love someone by the level of harmony you have with them. The Apostle Peter tells us in 1Peter 3:8, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” Having unity of mind means each of us practices the truths found in God’s word. We practice sympathy by understanding we are all emotionally messy and need God’s grace. Brotherly love is shown in kindness and patience. Having a tender heart toward someone is to know it is a work of God to remove the hardness of sin and the effects of sin in our hearts. A humble mind happens when you pray for God to take a prideful spirit from you.

As you worship God this week, share these praises with other believers to encourage them, so you can worship “in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God.”

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 36–September 3- September 9

Day 246-Sept. 3—Worship God for bearing your griefs and carrying your sorrows.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. –Isaiah 53:4

Day 247-Sept. 4—Worship God for taking our chastisement so you will be healed.

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed. –Isaiah 53:5

Day 248-Sept. 5—Worship God that He does everything well.

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He [Jesus] has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” –Mark 7:37

Day 249-Sept. 6—Worship God for sending Jesus to set free those who are captive and oppressed.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” –Luke 4:18

Day 250-Sept. 7—Worship God for giving you authority over demons.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. –Luke 10:19

Day 251-Sept. 8—Worship God that you will not die because you believe in Him.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. –John 11:25-26a

Day 252-Sept. 9—Worship God that you can ask anything in Jesus Christ’s name.

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. – John 14:13-14

😊😊😊😊

Verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This post is copyright protected.

What makes you glad? I am glad for a good night’s sleep. I am glad when my children come to visit. Does stress make it difficult to be glad? Emotional stress builds up in our hearts and steals our joy and happiness. God wants us to give Him our emotional stress and the hurts and offenses we have stored up. When we forgive and let go of our emotional pain, we will find joy and gladness in worshiping God. If you find letting go of past pain difficult, please read my online book to help you restore your happiness.

So, what does it mean to worship God with gladness? I have written several posts about worshiping with joy and being joyful, so what is the difference? Joy is extreme happiness about something exceptionally good or satisfying. Being glad is to delight in something. Gladness is excitement when in the presence of someone you love or when something good happens. Psalm 68:3 states, “But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!” When King David wrote this, the righteous were those who had faith in God and obeyed Him. Romans 4:3 tells us, “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’”

James 4:8 tells us to “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Worship is drawing near to God. Only as we repent of sin (cleanse our hands and purify our hearts) and seek God’s forgiveness will we worship with gladness. Gladness wells up in your heart when you understand you are forgiven and reconciled to God through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Psalm 40:16 states, “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, ‘Great is the LORD!’” Do you feel glad when you recount your blessings from God?

In this next verse, being glad is equated with exulting, which is to be highly delighted or jubilant. In Psalm 9:2, King David says, “I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Being jubilant is frankly a challenge for me. How about you? What keeps you from exulting in God? As you focus on this week’s worship, if you are struggling to feel joy, ask God to restore your gladness in Him.

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 35 –August 27- September 2

Day 239-Aug. 27—Worship God for the wondrous works He did and does for you.

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! ²²And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy! –Psalm 107:21

Day 240-Aug. 28—Worship God for healing your broken heart and emotional wounds.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. –Psalm 147:3

Day 241-Aug. 29—Worship God for His understanding and power to heal.

He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. ⁵Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. –Psalm 147:4-5

Day 242-Aug. 30—Worship God that you can trust Him with everything.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. –Proverbs 3:5

Day 243-Aug. 31—Worship God that he will make your paths straight.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. –Proverbs 3:6

Day 244-Sept.1—Worship God for helping you to look to Him and be healed.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. ⁸It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. –Proverbs 3:7-8

Day 245-Sept. 2—Worship God for blessing you with plenty as you honor Him.

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. –Proverbs 3:9-10

😊😊😊😊

Verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This post is copyright protected.

Do you have a footstool? King David said in Psalm 132:7, “Let us go into His dwelling place; Let us worship at His footstool.” So, when you think of worshiping at God’s footstool, what comes to your mind? Kings typically sit on a platform in the throne room, so visitors are at their footstool level, a place of humility. They plead their case at the footstool of the king.

Isaiah 66:1 states, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?’” I wrote a post about using your imagination when you worship. At the time of Isaiah’s writing, someone who sat at someone’s footstool meant they were poor and lowly. I see God’s throne occupying the Universe with the earth at His feet. In last week’s post, I wrote about bowing down in worship. Worshiping at God’s footstool is a similar stance of humility and submission.

The imagery of sitting at God’s footstool reminds me of the Beatitudes, which was the first part of Jesus Christ’s first sermon in Matthew 5:3-11. We are blessed when we humbly worship at God’s footstool.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”

You are blessed (made glad) by God when you humbly come before Him and worship at His feet. King David also wrote in Psalm 99:5, “Exalt the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!” God is worthy to be exalted and worshiped because He is holy. Remember that you must confess your sins (1John 1:9) and repent (Act 3:19) to come before the Holy God (James 4:8).

As you worship God this week, seek God to show you your sins so you can confess them and repent.

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 34 –August 20-August 26

Day 232-Aug. 20—Worship God, who provided salvation from His wrath.

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. –1Thessalonians 1:10

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. –1Thessalonians 5:9

Day 233-Aug. 21—Worship God because He keeps you from the evil one.

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. –2Thessalonians 3:3

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. –1John 5:18

Day 234-Aug. 22—Worship God, who takes sickness away from you.

You shall serve the LORD your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. Exodus 23:25

Day 235-Aug. 23—Worship God, who heals you when you cry for help.

O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. –Psalm 30:2

Day 236-Aug. 24—Worship God for giving you strength and peace to endure troubles.

May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! –Psalm 29:11

Day 237-Aug. 25—Worship God, who will deliver you from your distress when you cry out to Him.

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. –Psalm 107:19

Day 238-Aug. 26—Worship God for delivering you from destruction.

He sent out his word and healed them and delivered them from their destruction. –Psalm 107:20

😊😊😊😊

Verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This post is copyright protected.

Did you ever wonder where the Bible says to bow your heads? Bowing causes us to face the ground and is a show of humility and respect. Psalm 95:6 states, “Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” God is worthy of our humble respect because He created us and loves us. I have seen people so overcome with emotions that they lay face down on the floor as they worship God and make their petitions. There are many ways to worship God: singing, dancing, lifting hands, kneeling, and joyful shouting. However you desire to worship, it needs to be done in reverence.

Nehemiah 8:6 states, “Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.”

Nehemiah was written after the 70-year Babylonian captivity ended and many Israelites returned to Jerusalem. Ezra was appointed High Priest. Since the people forgot the law, Ezra read it to them. When they heard it, they were humbled and mourned their sinful behavior. Nehemiah encouraged them to rejoice because this day was holy, and that the joy of the Lord was their strength (8:10).

So, bowing our heads in worship and prayer symbolizes humble repentance and submission to God’s will for the requests we ask with thanksgiving. As you worship God this week, seek God to search your mind and heart to reveal sins you need to repent of. Ask Him to show you how you are not loving Him with your whole heart, mind, and soul and not loving others. When you repent, then you can worship with a pure heart,

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 33 –August 13-August 19

Day 225-Aug. 13—Worship God because He gives you strength and power to endure.

Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. –Colossians 1:11

Day 226-Aug. 14—Worship God for qualifying you to inherit eternal life.

Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. –Colossians 1:12

Day 227-Aug. 15—Worship God for transferring you from darkness to His kingdom.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. –Colossians 1:13-14

Day 228-Aug. 16—Worship God for reconciling us to Himself and seeing you as holy and blameless.

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. –Colossians 1:21-23

Day 229-Aug. 17—Worship God for making us complete in Him.

For in him, the whole fullness of deity (Godhead) dwells bodily, and you have been filled (made complete) in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. –Colossians 2:9-10

Day 230-Aug. 18—Worship God for canceling your record of debt (sins).

Canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. –Colossians 2:14

Day 231-Aug. 19—Worship God for disarming the demonic rulers and authorities.

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. –Colossians 2:15

😊😊😊😊

Verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This post is copyright protected.

Did you know God will give every one of us a harp when we get to heaven? I know, show me where the Bible said that. Revelations 15:2 states, “And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.” The NIV translates the last phrase as “harps given them by God.”

Have you visited a church without musical instruments? I have. I tried to understand their reasoning, but it made little sense because the truth is that God created music and gave people the skill to play instruments for worship. I am aware that Satan has perverted everything that God created as good, which includes music. I must confess; I am thankful there won’t be electric guitars in heaven. I am thankful there will be no head-banging Christian music in heaven. I don’t mean that offensively, but the truth is, God is the God of peace and beauty. Corporate worship is supposed to lead us to adore our Father in heaven.

The next verses explain the instruments that God intended for worship. The Lyre is a stringed instrument, similar to the harp.

Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! –Psalm 33:2

Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. Psalm 81:2

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! –Psalm 147:7 

Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. –Psalm 149:3

Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. – Psalm 150:3

Learning to play the piano and guitar eluded me despite my best efforts. I admire people who play beautiful music and wish I could, so I am looking forward to playing a harp in heaven. As you worship God this week, turn the verse or worship focus into a song of praise and use your hands as an instrument in your praises.

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 32 –August 6-August 12

Day 218-Aug. 6—Worship God for completing the good work He began in you.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ –Philippians 1:6

Day 219-Aug. 7—Worship God that you have the power of Jesus’s name.

Therefore God has highly exalted him [Jesus] and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. –Philippians 2:9-11

Day 220-Aug. 8—Worship God for His work in you.

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. –Philippians 2:13 

Day 221-Aug. 9—Worship God for giving you citizenship in Heaven and a glorious body.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. –Philippians 3:20-21

Day 222-Aug. 10—Worship God hears your prayers and gives you peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:6-7

Day 223-Aug. 11—Worship God, who gives you strength to do all things.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. –Philippians 4:13

Day 224-Aug. 12—Worship God, who supplies all you need.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:19

😊😊😊😊

All verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This material is copyright protected.

Do you know creation worships God? Remember the Palm Sunday story when Jesus was riding a colt into Jerusalem? Luke records the event in Luke 19:36-40: “And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. ³⁷As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” ³⁹And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” ⁴⁰He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.’”

Have you ever been told to be quiet during worship? I know I could not worship God with loud praises in the Lutheran Church I attended as a child. Remember, praise to God is about rejoicing for the great things He has done. See my post, Worship is Rejoicing. Jesus said that the stones would cry out. Do you think this is a figure of speech, or do you think it could be literal?

How do you think King David knew that creation praised God? He writes in Psalm 96:11-13 “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.” He also wrote in Psalm 148:3, “Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light!”

We think of creation as being physical objects, not living organisms. Yet, everything created is made up of atoms that have an electrical frequency. I looked up the frequency of a tree; you will be surprised when you read this linked article to learn more. All physical objects emit frequencies, and I believe these frequencies give God glory (read my post called WEEK 27: Worship is giving God glory.

This week, as you worship, remember that all creation worships God to. May God bless you and may His face fine on you.

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 31 –July 30-August 5

Day 211-July 30—Worship God for sending His Son who give us life.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. –John 10:10

Day 212-July 31—Worship God for sending the perfect Shepherd.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. –John 10:14-16

Day 213-Aug. 1—Worship God for the promise that no one can snatch you out of His hand.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰I and the Father are one.” –John 10:27-30

Day 214-Aug. 2—Worship God who has prepared a place in heaven for you.

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. –John 14:2-3

Day 215-Aug. 3—Worship God for sending the Holy Spirit to help and teach you.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. –John 14:26

Day 216-Aug. 4—Worship God for the Spirit that guides us into all the truth.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. –John 16:13

Day 217- Aug. 5—Worship God for giving us peace and overcoming faith.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. –1John 5:4

😊😊😊😊

All verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This material is copyright protected.

Be honest: how often do you not want to go to church, and when you do go, you have no joy? What is stealing your joy? The Bible says in John 10:10a, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” If you don’t have joy, could it be what you think? John 15:11 states, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Do you think about what God has written and give Him praise? Isaiah 24:14 encourages us, “They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the LORD they shout from the west.”  And Psalm 92:4 states, “For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”

When we worship with our heart, mind, and spirit, we enter His presence. Psalm 16:11 states, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” So, if you want joy in your life, we need to live a life of continual worship before the Lord. Psalm 21:6 states, “For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.” Read my post about entering His presence with worship.

I will be honest, I often do not have joy during worship. When I focus on God’s worth and what He has done for me, I become joyful because I have entered His presence. How about you? Sometimes, we get so caught up in the cares of the world and the troubles in our lives that we lose our joy. Or we think of what we are having for dinner and the things we need to do in the coming week.

Last week, I wrote that worship is rejoicing, so when we rejoice, we exude joy when we worship. Psalm 95:2 states, “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” In another post, I explain singing and making joyful noises. Do you find you sing when you are happy? That is what we do when we are joyful when we focus on what God has done for us and will do. Psalm 98:4 states, “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”

As you go through this week’s praise and worship focuses, see how often you can lift your mind and spirit to worship God throughout the day instead of thinking about the things of this world. Let me know if you have more joy in your life.

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 30 –July 23-July 29

Day 204-July 23—Worship God for giving you the right to become His children.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:12

Day 205-July 24—Worship God for providing eternal life with Him.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Day 206-July 25—Worship God for giving you the bread of life, Jesus.

Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” –John 6:32-33

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. – John 6:35

Day 207-July 26—Worship God for drawing you to know Him.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. –John 6:44

Day 208-July 27—Worship God for the Spirit of life through the word, gives life

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. –John 6:63

Day 209-July 28—Worship God for sending the light of life.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” –John 8:12

Day 210-July 29—Worship God for setting you free from being slaves to sin.

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. –John 8:34

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. –John 8:36

😊😊😊😊

All verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This material is copyright protected.

Are you generally calm and non-emotional, even if you are happy? Or do you show your happiness by shouting and jumping up and down? How do you express your excitement when your team scores a shot or wins the game? Does your church shout and jump to express praises to God during the worship service? I have been in some worship services that shout, jump, and dance with great joy and gladness as they worship God and what He has done.

So, what does rejoicing mean? Dictionary.com (2024) says it is to be glad or delight in something. Synonyms are glory, exalt, and revel. Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionary (1890) says in the Hebrew translation that rejoicing is likened to singing, shouting, or crying out joyfully in triumph. The Greek translation varies but means to jump for joy, exult, and be exceedingly glad. These descriptions describe someone who is emotionally happy, like when their team scores a point. Do you feel the same excitement about being triumphant over sin and over the evil schemes of the devil? Do you feel excited about the victory Jesus gives you through faith, and the power He gives you to overcome temptation?

King David also encourages us to “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name (Psalm 97:12)!” In Psalm 32:11, he says, “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” In most churches, someone who shouts would be considered a radicalized Christian, but this verse calls all the upright in heart to shout for joy. Interestingly, only those who are right with God rejoice and give thanks to His Holy name. Do you rejoice and give thanks to God?

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian church, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you (Philippians 3:1).” The NIV and NASV say that rejoicing is a safeguard. A safeguard is something that serves as a protection or defense or that ensures safety. Why is rejoicing safe, and what is it keeping us safe from? If you are not rejoicing, then what are you doing? When we are focused on our Lord, we have joy, but when we focus on anything else, we feel despair or practice idolatry.

Paul also wrote to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice (Php 4:4).” As you go through the worship focuses this week, shout and dance for joy. Try to stay focused on the Lord throughout your day and rejoice. The more you do something, the easier it becomes.

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 29 –July 16-July 22

Day 197-July 16—Worship God because He chose you to receive spiritual blessings.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. –Ephesians 1:3-4

Day 198-July 17—Worship God for his great love and making you alive, then raising you up.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. –Ephesians 2:4-6

Day 199-July 18—Worship God who strengthens you with power.

That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being. – Ephesians 3:16

Day 200-July 19—Worship God’s ability to do more than you can think or ask.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. –Ephesians 3:20 

Day 201-July 20—Worship God for His grace and gifts.

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” – Ephesians 4:7-8

Day 202-July 21—Worship God for the strength and armor He gives us for protection from evil.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11

Day 203-July 22—Worship God for sending Jesus as the light of life.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. – John 1:9

😊😊😊😊

All verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This material is copyright protected.

If you think of fear, do you associate worship with it? But if you have a healthy fear like encountering an elephant or a lion, you know they can be dangerous, yet you are fascinated by their power and majesty. If you are in the presence of a huge elephant on the African plains, you have a healthy fear and awe, but you must respect them. This analogy is no comparison to God, but one our small minds can conceive of. Psalm 22:23 states, “You who fear the LORD, praise him! …, glorify him, and stand in awe of him!” This verse is hard for me to grasp.

We explored the concept of giving God the glory for His magnificent work in the last post. Keep that lesson in mind and see how it correlates with the fear of God. There are two thoughts concerning the fear of God. We must have a healthy fear of God’s judgment and wrath for sin and the need to turn away from evil. The second thought is awe of God’s greatness and power. Revelations 14:7 states, “And he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.’”

God is a magnificent spirit that always existed. He has no beginning or ending and is powerful yet loving and good. He created the Universe, the Earth, and every living creature, including mankind. His loving nature wants a relationship with us. But Satan (formerly a beautiful angel) rebelled against God and came to earth with a third of the angels who followed him to corrupt all that God created. He corrupted mankind through sin, which are things we think, say, and do that break God’s command to love Him and love others.

We know that God is perfect. Deuteronomy 32:4 explains, “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” So, He must punish sin, but because He loves us, He sent His Son to take our punishment on the cross so our sins can be atoned (paid) for. Now, we have the hope of spending eternity with Him. We are redeemed through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, which should cause us to glorify and praise Him.

Revelations 19:5 states, “And from the throne came a voice saying, ‘Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.’” Are you a servant of God? Have you made Him Lord and Savior of your life? King Solomon said at the end of his life, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. ¹⁴For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. As you worship God daily, I pray that you fear and glorify God.

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 28 –July 9-July 15

Day 190-July 9—Worship God because nothing is impossible for Him.

However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself. –Mathew 17:27

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” –Matthew 19:26

Day 191-July 10—Worship God for assigning angels to protect you.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Mathew 18:10

Day 192-July 11—Worship God for protecting you from evil and disaster.

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague [disaster] come near your tent. ¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. ¹²On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. – Psalm 91:9-12

Day 193-July 12— Worship God for giving you rest for your soul.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Mathew 11:28-30

Day 194-July 13—Worship God for His strength and power.

But he [God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I [Paul] will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. –2Corinthians 12:9

Day 195-July 14—Worship God for delivering you from the present evil age.

Who [Jesus] gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. – Gal 1:4-5

Day 196-July 15—Worship God for providing forgiveness and grace.

In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ. – Ephesians 1:7-9

😊😊😊😊

All verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This material is copyright protected.

It is amazing to watch the great athletes at the Olympics. As the winners receive their medals, you are happy for their great achievements. The winners are given glory for their hard work. People, like me, find glory in hiking through the woods or kayaking down a remote stream. The synonyms for glory are triumph, beauty, success, praise, and wonder.

God created the Universe, the earth, and everything in it through His Son, Jesus Christ, so He deserves our glory and wonder. Revelations 4:11 states, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” God created us for His glory, Isaiah 43:7 states, “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” God gives us and the athletes ability and strength, so He deserves the glory.

Slowly immerse yourself in each verse below and ask yourself, what it means?

Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; in the coastlands of the sea, give glory to the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. – Isaiah 24:15

I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. – Isaiah 42:8

Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands. –Isaiah 42:12

For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. – Isaiah 48:11

Sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! –Psalm 66:2

Worship is adoring praise or sincere thanksgiving for all He has created or the gifts He has given you. Be careful when worshipping anything other than God because God is jealous, as explained in Exodus 34:14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God). I explain how Satan tempts you to worship him through idols in WEEK 25: Worship and serve God only. Satan tempted Jesus to worship him, so why wouldn’t he also tempt his followers to worship him? Satan tempts us to want others to give us glory for our achievements and abilities. John 12:43 states, “For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

We learned in the last post how to worship God by offering ourselves as a living sacrifice. In 1Corinthians 6:17-20 explains how we are to glorify God in our bodies.

17)  But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 
18)  Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 
19-20)  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 

We are to also glorify God in all that we do. 1Corinthians 10:31 states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

As you worship God this week, remember worshiping God is giving Him glory.

😊😊😊😊

WEEK 27 –July 2-July 8

Day 183-July 2—Worship God for sending Jesus, who gives us His authority.

[Jesus] said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will.” – Luke 4:6

Day 184-July 3—Worship God for giving us authority to tell Satan to be gone.

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” ¹⁸And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. ²⁰Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:17-20

Day 185-July 4—Worship God for answering prayers.

 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

Day 186-July 5—Worship God who forgives your sins and heals you.

For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? ⁶But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” –Matthew 9:5-6

Day 187-July 6—Worship God because He sees you as valuable.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. ³⁰But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. –Matthew 10:29-31

Day 188-July 7— Worship God for giving you the keys to His kingdom.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. – Mathew 18:18

Day 189-July 8—Worship God for giving you the spirit of wisdom, knowledge, and power.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. –Eph 1:17-20

😊😊😊😊

All verses are from the English Standard Bible. To review the previous weeks, go to the 365 Days of Worship Page. This material is copyright protected.