I Choose Today

I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Shout my Worship!

Over the last week, we have learned of some beautiful ways scripture teaches us how to worship God: Towdah (תוֹדָה) – giving thanks to God for His provisions and blessings, and Avodah (עֲבוֹדָה) – we are also called to worship Him through our work and service. Today, let us explore an expression of outward worship of God: “Shabach” (שָׁבַח). The word “Shabach” (שָׁבַח) conveys a sense of loud and joyful proclamation or celebration of God’s attributes and deeds, encouraging believers to openly express their adoration and gratitude towards Him. Psalm 117:1-2: “Praise (הַלְלוּ) the Lord, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples! For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise (שָׁבַח) the Lord!” Psalm 145:4: “One generation shall commend (יְשַׁבֵּחַ) Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” Isaiah 12:6: “Shout (זַעֲקִי) and sing (רָנִּי), O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” These verses highlight the theme of exuberant praise and worship of God, emphasizing His greatness, steadfast love, and mighty acts. I know some people are uncomfortable raising their hands in praise at church. But what about at home, or in

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I Choose Today to Prepare my Heart for Worship

Worship. On Sunday mornings we go to church and worship the Lord when we sing. We may even go to a whole service or concert and worship through song. If you know me at all, I absolutely love praise and worship. Music, words of worship, and harmonious melodies speak to my heart. I’ve even been known to raise my hands when singing. I get lost in it, unabashed in how I appear. But worship is more than just singing; it is an attitude of the heart. The Bible talks a lot about worship, but not just the worship of song. There are many ways and occasions of worship. Over the next couple of weeks, we will discover together the many ways we can worship God. We will learn together, not only pleases God, but how it affects us. When we worship: It allows our hearts to be softened/open Deepens our faith Alleviates fear As we pour ourselves out to God, He pours Himself into us It allows God to move our hearts so we can hear from Him There are more benefits to worship, but you get the point.  Worship means something to God and it means something to us.

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to seek the Lord while praising Him.

This morning while having my devotions and seeking the Lord, I was reading Psalms 66:16. “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what HE did for me. For I cried out to Him for help, praising Him as I spoke.”  This is a powerful thought!  When I’m in a battle, seeking the Lord, the thought of praise is not usually on my mind. But, this morning I did this. I started by confessing my heart, and then thanked Him. In doing this, I have the right heart attitude to take this, as well as my fear and hopelessness, and placing it at the feet of Jesus. Verse 19 says, “But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.” And, here is my praise in verse 20.  “Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw His unfailing love from me.” What a blessing this is and I pray this will encourage you, too. Seek the Lord while praising Him! Smile, God loves you right where you are. He knows your heart!

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