To Seek & Know God

I never let those feelings of inadequacy keep me from doing what I knew God called me to, even if it meant worshiping in the secret places of my home, when I play my guitar or tiny keyboard, when I’m in my backyard listening to music, and when I’m singing in my car probably a little too loud. Honestly, anywhere I go. Worship isn’t just going to church on Sundays or during the week and singing some songs in fellowship and listening to a sermon, worship is a heart posture towards God. Sometimes it seems like too many people just sing the songs to sing the songs and don’t truly take in the weight of the words that they are singing. This is true if you can sing worship songs about how great God is and then go about your day like that morning never existed. To me, to sing these songs is to communicate with God. And you take these songs and ideas and carry them with you everywhere you go. To sing these songs is to help set your mind on things above and not on things of the earth. It helps to take captive each and every thought and submit it into obedience to Christ Jesus. It rewires my brain to think of God first. And no, I’m not perfect, trust me. My brain and thoughts like to run all over the place. But I often have these songs on repeat in my head. Reminding me that I am not alone. Reminding me that He’s not finished with me yet. Reminding me to rest in Him. As you read through this book, you will see multiple songs that have meaning to me and how to live life with a heart of worship. I could have picked hundreds of songs but sadly had to narrow it down to a few. As you continue reading, I pray that you empty your hands of the things that you have been holding onto so that you can prepare to receive from God. That worship isn’t just a checkbox to check off throughout the week but is a daily part of your life. And yes, worship is more than just singing songs, worship is placing God above all other things. As you read each day, there will be a daily verse or verses to read along with a short devotional. I pray that you read through and take your time to chew on the words and whatever God is bringing to your mind. Then I encourage you to listen to the song included at the bottom of each day. Again, let the words fall on you and seep into your heart and mind. Create a posture of receiving whether it’s sitting down with your palms open, or kneeling on the floor, or even moving around and allowing God to move in you. Clear your mind of all distractions and open your heart and hands to God. This is a posture of surrender where you can let go of anything you may be holding on to and come before God willing to be molded by Him. Day 1 - Jesus is My Healer 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 How wonderful it is that our God reigns over all things! Anything that is afflicting us we can bring to Him and lay it at His feet. He is the great healer and is victorious over sin and death. It no longer binds us or holds us down. Jesus is the chain breaker who wants to set us free. To free us from sickness, anxiety, and sorrow. Yes, we may face these, but they do not need to control our lives. We are still free to live our lives victoriously and allow God to bring healing to these places and to our hearts. The truest healing He brings to us is to our hearts and our relationship with Him. Our sinful hearts that are selfish and hardened, that builds walls and worships things other than God. Our hearts that suffer from broken relationships with Him and with others. He wants to pick up the pieces and make something beautiful from them. He wants to restore you and give you peace. To lay these burdens down, we must humbly come before God and allow Him to change us from the inside out. We have to allow the healing that He wants to give us. Song: Jesus is my Healer (Chapel Sessions) feat. Jessie Harris - Gateway Worship 2023