Why Do People Worship God? |Exodus 4:31 | Part One

worship

Answering the question of why people worship God seems both simple and complex.

The primary definition of worship is to honor or show reverence for a divine being or supernatural power.

But this definition implies that there are multiple potential divine beings or supernatural powers to choose from.

Further, the secondary definition reveals that worship may be directed toward other humans or physical objects.

The primary definition of God, according to Merriam-Webster.com, is the supreme or ultimate reality who is perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness and the creator ruler of the universe.

Yet, secondary definitions mention god as a being or object that has more than natural attributes and powers, one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality, a person or thing of supreme value, or a powerful ruler.

How can Exodus 4:31 help us unravel this simple yet complex question of why people worship God?

Continue reading “Why Do People Worship God? |Exodus 4:31 | Part One”

Honoring God Through Worship | Genesis 24: 26-27 and 48

bow down and worship

Genesis 24 is more than a simple story of how Isaac and Rebekah become husband and wife.

In fact, a significant portion of the chapter centers on Abraham’s servant.

Back in Genesis 15:2, before Isaac was born, we learn the name of Abraham’s chief servant is Eliezer. Abraham expresses to God his concern that he remains childless. As long as this continued, Eliezer would inherit Abraham’s estate.

Yet, Abraham did not remain childless. He received a child through his wife Sarah in their old age.

Following the death of Sarah, Abraham requests Eliezer take a special assignment.

What can we learn from Abraham’s chief servant about honoring God through worship?

Continue reading “Honoring God Through Worship | Genesis 24: 26-27 and 48”

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 | Whose Instructions Do You Follow?

One member of my book club recently brought some dessert to share with the group.

She wrapped each piece of cake individually and brought her own metal forks to share with us.

After she had passed them out but had not picked up her own fork, one of us teasingly asked, “Do we need to wait to eat our piece until you have picked up your fork?”

With a glint in her eye, she quickly picked up her fork so we could enjoy the yummy treat.

What does this cultural practice of waiting for the hostess to pick up her fork before the guests can begin eating have to do with 1 Corinthians 11:17-34?

Continue reading “1 Corinthians 11:17-34 | Whose Instructions Do You Follow?”

Respecting God Through Worship | Genesis 22:5

worship

What first leaps to mind when you think of worship?

Merriam-Webster.com defines worship first as offering reverence to a divine being or supernatural power.

We can express this reverence through a worship service where praises, hymns, thanksgiving, teachings, and prayers are offered to a divine being or supernatural power in a group setting.

We can also worship in smaller group settings or individually.

A secondary definition reminds us we can worship any person or object we choose to offer extravagant respect, admiration, or devotion toward.

Consider the following examples Merriam-Webster.com used to illustrate this secondary definition.

  • A celebrity is worshipped by his or her fans.
  • There are those who worship the dollar.

What does this have to do with respecting God through worship and Genesis 22:5?

Continue reading “Respecting God Through Worship | Genesis 22:5”

He Stops All People | Job 37:5-8

downpour

Discussing the weather is generally considered a safe subject.

But severe weather is another matter entirely.

Severe weather requires both humans and wildlife to seek protective shelter.

Sometimes severe weather takes us by surprise, giving us little time to find protection.

At other times, we can prepare a refuge ahead of the severe weather.

What is the purpose of severe weather, according to Job 37:5-8?

Continue reading “He Stops All People | Job 37:5-8”

Job 1:1-5 |Thus Job Did Continually

thebookofjob

Recently my daily Bible reading practice brought me to the book of Job.

This Old Testament book deals with suffering.

We all experience suffering. Some more than others.

What is striking in this book is the steadfastness of Job’s faith in God throughout his immense suffering.

How could Job refrain from turning away from God in the face of significant loss? Even as friends and family, encouraged him to curse God or confess a sin he had not committed?

The opening verses are key in answering this question.

Continue reading “Job 1:1-5 |Thus Job Did Continually”

Psalm 139 | How Well Do You Know God?

kingdavid

David, a lowly shepherd boy anointed King of Israel, experienced great highs and terrible lows in his lifetime.

He is the accredited author of Psalm 139, typically titled, Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart.

This title literally comes from the next-to-last verse of the Psalm where David is asking the Lord to monitor his motives.

Yet the verses prior to this request reveal the magnitude of who God is and how well He already knows David, and thus, us today.

Continue reading “Psalm 139 | How Well Do You Know God?”

Mark 1:35-39 | Why We Need Devotion

devotional

Each month, I meet with a small group of friends to discuss a chapter or more of a Christian-authored book.

We have read and discussed a variety of non-fiction and fiction Christian-authored books since meeting as a group.

Currently, we are working our way through Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ book, A Place of Quiet Rest: Finding Intimacy with God Through a Daily Devotional Life.

A scripture passage that is referenced more than once in DeMoss’ book is Mark 1:35.

But before we consider Mark 1:35 in its context, we need to define devotion.

Continue reading “Mark 1:35-39 | Why We Need Devotion”

Ezekiel 3:1-3 | Are You Eating God’s Word?

Ezekiel Bread

Every year, as a part of my daily time alone with the Lord, I use a chronological arrangement of scripture to read through the Bible.

I use this reading format to reinforce my grasp of the historical timeline.

This year I am copying into a journal the verses that intrigue me as I read through each day’s portion.

My reading this week prompted me to copy down the following instructions from the Lord to the prophet Ezekiel:

And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. [1]

Why is the Lord asking Ezekiel to eat a scroll?

Continue reading “Ezekiel 3:1-3 | Are You Eating God’s Word?”

Jeremiah 7:23-26 |Are You Listening to God?

listeningandobeying

As I type this, I hear a variety of sounds.

  • The gurgle of my pet’s water bowl fountain in the next room.
  • A fan drying out a recently cleaned carpet spot. (Yes, a pet was the culprit!)
  • A neighbor’s car door slamming shut.
  • The clicking of my computer keyboard.
  • The occasional sound of kids playing outside.
  • And my breathing.

These are easy sounds to identify.

But what does it mean to listen to God and how do we do it?

Continue reading “Jeremiah 7:23-26 |Are You Listening to God?”