Am I open to God?

Journal Entry:

November 30, 2003

“Good day of worship and fellowship.  Quiet afternoon.  ‘I love You, Lord!’”

Simple but meaningful entry.  I want to concentrate on two words.  First:

Worship:  “The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.”

Anything people place first in their lives is what they worship.  Unfortunately even many who claim to be Christian allow the things of this world to displace God as the object of their worship.  We make the created to be more sacred than the Creator.  I think everyone is guilty of this at one time or another.  We allow a spouse, a child, a celebrity, sports, a job, fame, money, a pet, a possession, and I could go on and on, to become a sacred thing in our lives and hearts.  We give our time, talents, and money to that thing.  It consumes us.  The problem is none of those idols can satisfy.  That’s why so many turn to addictions to satisfy that deep longing that only God can fill.  I must be open to His presence and leading in my life.  That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to Him through prayer, scripture, and worship with a body of believers also known as the church. 

This leads to my second word:

Fellowship:  “The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.”

This is the world’s definition of fellowship.  However, Christian fellowship is much deeper.  The word Koinonia is used in the New Testament to describe the fellowship that should be present among those who follow Jesus Christ. 

Koinonia:   “A Greek word that occurs 20 times in the Bible. Koinonia’s primary meaning is ‘fellowship, sharing in common, communion.’ The first occurrence of Koinonia is Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of Koinonia.”

Worship of God and Christian fellowship do not just happen.  It’s not the preacher’s or the teacher’s, or anyone else’s responsibility to cause me to worship.  I must prepare my heart, soul, and mind by spending time with God in prayer and in His word.  Fellowship occurs when I open myself to God’s leading and love.  If I go to church with an attitude of what’s in it for me or with the expectation that everything that is done from teaching, to music, to the sermon is all about me I am not worshipping as Jesus said I must.

 

 

It’s not about me; it’s about Him!  When I am worshipping in spirit and in truth my countenance will reveal it to those around me and hopefully will be an encouragement to them.  I’m thankful for the people who have done this for me over the years.  This Sunday I wrote about 13 years ago was a gift from my heavenly Father as have been so many in the years before and since.  The worship and fellowship have given me tiny glimpses of what an eternity in heaven will be like.  I can’t wait!

Father,

I am so grateful for the privilege of worship and fellowship with my sisters and brothers in Christ.

Open hearts to Your presence to be true worshipers as Jesus Himself described.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen