More ideas of how to serve others with the love of God

1. Give up your seat for someone

2. Give up that great parking space

3. Clean up the dishes in the breakroom at work

It’s easy to focus on people’s imperfections. Being gracious allows room for people to make mistakes. Once we create an atmosphere where others don’t feel need the need to be guarded, only then are we able to connect with others on a deeper level.

Finally, be of the same mind, sympathizing with one another, loving each other, compassionate and courteous. [1 Peter 3:8]

The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, trusting Him during the trial, surrendering while suffering.

Philip Yancey says, “Any relationship involves times of closeness and times of distance. In our relationship with God, no matter how intimate, the pendulum will swing from one side to the other.”

St. John of the Cross referred to these times as the ” dark night of the soul.” Henri Nouwen called these times of distance “the ministry of the absence.”

God is more concerned that we trust Him than if we feel Him. The most common mistake we make in worship is seeking an experience rather than seeking God. To bring us to maturity in our relationship with Him, God will test it with periods of seeming separation.

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. [Psalm 139:8-9]

Additional thoughts on worship

Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by His power, and everything is for His glory. [Romans 11:36]

John Piper writes, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Worship is more than singing and praying. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God. When we use our life for GOD’S glory, we not only enjoy His pleasure but we will also express His love to others.

We bring glory to God is by loving those in the body of Christ. Following Christ is not just a matter of believing, but also includes belonging. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” [John 13:34,35]

Within these 26 days leading up to Easter Sunday we are challenging ourselves to find someone each day to express God’s love to in a tangible way. Today Bonnie is heading to the local hospital to visit a lady who is in the intensive care unit. She is bringing a Disc player, speakers along with some worship music CD’s, as well as a CD containing several healing scriptures. Bonnie thought it would be encouraging to this dear lady to be able to create an atmosphere of faith and hope right there in her hospital room.

Maybe you know someone who would be blessed with a particular CD of worship music, or teaching from the scriptures. Maybe you know of a friend that would be encouraged if you gave them call to let them you know you are praying for them. Allow God to use you today to impact someone’s life with a simple act of love.

If you haven’t picked up your devotional guide for the 26 Days of Discovery you can get your copy this Sunday in the main lobby, or you can click on the link below.

http://www.26daysofdiscovery.com/26DaysDevotional.pdf

During the 26 Days of Discovery we have challenged ourselves to find at least one person each day to serve in a special way. One idea that Bonnie and I came up with was to send a couple with small children a certificate offering them one free night of babysitting. We thought it would be nice for “mom and dad” to enjoy a night out with out the children.

What are your ideas to serve others during this 26 Days of Discovery? We would love to hear creative ways you have come up to bless those that you come in contact with throughout your day. Check back tomorrow for another idea to impact others with the love of God.

The heart of worship expresses itself with an attitude of thankfulness. It recognizes the benefits and blessings that God has provided us. Thankfulness is filled with appreciation – admiration for Who He is and what He has done. As we cultivate an “attitude of gratitude,” we heighten our awareness of God’s presence. It is what enables us to “enter into His gates.” It’s within the attitude of thankfulness that we sense God’s presence and where we DISCOVER Him actively working for our good.

http://www.26daysofdiscovery.com/26DaysDevotional.pdf

Each day we can feel like we are running a hundred miles an hour trying to catch up.  For those of you with that “crazy” schedule and wondering how you can find time to worship God, I want to encourage you with this thought: ANYTHING you do today that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship.

http://www.26daysofdiscovery.com/26DaysDevotional.pdf