{"id":1169,"date":"2024-09-09T18:22:58","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T18:22:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=1169"},"modified":"2024-09-09T18:22:58","modified_gmt":"2024-09-09T18:22:58","slug":"living-a-lifestyle-of-worship","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/living-a-lifestyle-of-worship\/","title":{"rendered":"LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romans 12:1-2; John 12:1-8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This morning I want to talk to you about LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly 400<\/strong> years<\/strong> ago<\/strong>, a group of scholars<\/strong> gathered to create a tool of the church \u2014 something to assist believers in their spiritual growth and pursuit on godliness. In the end, they developed a detailed list of questions and answers derived from scripture. <\/strong>They called it, the Westminster Catechism<\/strong>. Some of you may be familiar with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The very first question asked is this:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the chief end<\/strong> (or sole purpose) of man?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, what\u2019s the point of life? What\u2019s the main thing?\u00a0 And the answer they penned (after careful study of God\u2019s Word), was:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To know God \u2014 to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In essence, to LIVE A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP.<\/strong> To live in such a way that EVERYTHING<\/strong> you do points back to \u2014 and gives glory to God<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know, for many people, the word worship<\/strong> conveys the idea of singing<\/strong> \u2014 or maybe a special service held on a special day, designed to focus on Christ. And while those ideas are A PART of worship \u2014 they don\u2019t fully define worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

True worship is a lifestyle!<\/strong>It\u2019s about how <\/strong>\u2014 and for whom<\/strong> we live.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Romans 12, <\/strong>the apostle Paul <\/strong>challenges us to live a life of worship,<\/strong> in this way. He says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 <\/em><\/strong>Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God\u2019s mercy, to offer <\/em>your bodies<\/em>(or your lives) <\/em>as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God\u2014<\/em>this is your true and proper worship.<\/em>2 <\/em><\/strong>Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but <\/em>be transformed by the renewing of your mind<\/em>. Then you will be able to test and approve what God\u2019s will is\u2014his good, pleasing and perfect will.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul<\/strong> calls us to live our lives in RESPONSE<\/strong> to God\u2019s goodness and work <\/strong>\u2014 to respond to his goodness with a response of honor. For when we do, we are giving Him our TRUE AND PROPER<\/strong> worship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worship at it\u2019s core is OUR RESPONSE<\/strong> to God\u2019s Worth. And that\u2019s actually where the word WORSHIP comes from \u2014 WORTH-SHIP.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, after spending 11<\/strong> chapters defining the work of Jesus<\/strong> through the cross and His sacrifice \u2014 all to redeem us, to forgives our sin, and reconcile us to God. And then in chapter 12<\/strong>, he calls usto respond<\/strong> to His gift of salvation by living every moment with a sense of intentionally \u2014 committed to honoring God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, Paul<\/strong> declares \u2014 what you\u2019ve defined as one of your core values<\/strong>\u2026to<\/strong> live committed to Christ<\/strong> \u2014 seeking to know<\/strong> Him, to love<\/strong> Him, and Honor<\/strong> Him is genuine worship!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, this morning, I\u2019d like to explore that a little further. I\u2019d like to show you how all of life can be an act of worship<\/strong>.So, if you have your Bible, would you turn with me to John chapter 12.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s here that we find one of the most beautiful stories in all the New<\/strong> Testament<\/strong>. It takes place at the beginning of Jesus<\/strong>\u2019 last<\/strong> week<\/strong> of life and ministry \u2014 just before going to the cross. On his to the cross, He travels first to Bethany<\/strong> and visits with some of His closest friends (Mary<\/strong>, Martha<\/strong>, and Lazarus<\/strong>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginning in verse 1,<\/strong> John<\/strong> tells us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 <\/em><\/strong>Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. <\/em>2 <\/em><\/strong>Here <\/em>a dinner was given in Jesus\u2019 honor<\/em>. <\/em>Martha served,<\/em><\/strong> while <\/em>Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em>3 <\/em><\/strong>Then <\/em>Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus\u2019 feet and wiped his feet with her hair. <\/em><\/strong>And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 <\/em><\/strong>But one of his disciples, <\/em>Judas Iscariot,<\/em><\/strong>who was later to betray him, objected<\/em>, <\/em>5 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cWhy wasn\u2019t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year\u2019s wages.\u201d <\/em>6 <\/em><\/strong>He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief;<\/em> as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cLeave her alone,\u201d <\/em><\/strong>Jesus replied. <\/em>\u201cIt was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.<\/em>8 <\/em><\/strong>You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John 12:1-8 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love this story<\/strong> \u2014 because of the way it reveals the heart of each on mentioned. But,<\/strong> if this story is about anything \u2014 it\u2019s about worship!<\/strong> Here John<\/strong> gives us a much fuller, much richer picture of worship. So, if you\u2019ll allow me, I want to highlight three distinct ways that you and I can live a lifestyle of worship.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, the first way <\/strong>is this \u2014 John<\/strong> says\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. YOU CAN WORSHIP GOD WITH YOUR TALENTS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look again at verse 1. <\/strong>Here John<\/strong> says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 <\/em><\/strong>Six days before the Passover, <\/em>Jesus<\/em><\/strong> came to <\/em>Bethany<\/em><\/strong>, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. <\/em>2 <\/em><\/strong>Here <\/em>a dinner was given in Jesus\u2019 honor<\/em>.<\/em>(And then notice the next words. John says), Martha served\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s it! Martha served. Now, you may recall \u2014 in an earlier story, Jesus<\/strong> came to eat at the house of Martha<\/strong>. And at that time, Martha<\/strong> was again found preparing the meal and doing what good hosts do<\/strong>. She was working \u2014 using her talents, using her skills, your her gifting to prepare a meal.<\/strong>(Paul<\/strong> describes this kind of gifting as the GIFT OF HOSPITALITY<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But during that first story,<\/strong> it seems like Martha<\/strong> was using that GIFT<\/strong> to accomplish her goals, and maybe \u2014 to bring attention to herself. As the host and woman of the house, I\u2019m sure she thought the meal and the home would be a reflection of herself. And so, she wanted everything to be perfect. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in that story \u2014 her attitude seems to me self-centered \u2014 inwardly focused. <\/strong>And when things aren\u2019t being done the way she thought they should, when her sister wasn\u2019t working hard enough to assist her in hosting that meal \u2014 she became frustrated. Even angry with Mary<\/strong>, for not helping her enough. Because Mary was sitting at Jesus feet listening to him talk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, if I\u2019m honest, I get Martha. I\u2019m a worker too.<\/strong> If you ever come to my house \u2014 I\u2019m going to do everything I can to make sure you\u2019re served well. I get Martha!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in the early story \u2014 Martha<\/strong> was about Martha<\/strong> \u2014 and her agenda. She was focused on herself <\/strong>\u2014 and she missed an opportunity<\/strong> to focus on Jesus<\/strong>. There\u2019s a word for that \u2014 it\u2019s called PRIDE! Putting ourselves in the center of everything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, the Bible<\/strong> tells us that \u201cPride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, when Martha<\/strong> calls her sister out for not working hard enough, Jesus calls Martha out<\/strong> for working with the wrong heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this story is different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the story in John 12<\/strong>, Martha<\/strong> is again working \u2014 but this time her work is an act of worship. There was something different here. This time her focus wasn\u2019t on herself \u2014 but on Jesus. THIS TIME <\/strong>she was working to give HONOR TO JESUS<\/strong>. Look at it again. In verse 2<\/strong> it says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 <\/em><\/strong>Here <\/em>a dinner was given in Jesus\u2019 honor<\/em>.<\/em>Martha served\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The issue is really not WHAT YOU DO<\/strong> \u2014 by WHY YOU DO IT<\/strong>.The defining mark of worship is the heart. <\/strong>It\u2019s your motivation. It\u2019s the WHY<\/strong> behind the WHAT<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how are you doing with this one? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the motivation behind your actions? Are you using your talents, your skills, your gifts, your strengths to honor God? Are you \u2014 as Paul<\/strong> says, \u201cDoing everything as unto the Lord?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul<\/strong> writes in 2 Timothy 1:6 <\/strong>and says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStir up the gift of God that is in you. . . .\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the best way to do that \u2014 is to use it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to always be doing something \u201cspiritual<\/strong>\u201d to worship God. Any time you\u2019re using God\u2019s gifts for his glory, that\u2019s worship.<\/strong> And that\u2019s one of the key values of this church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I challenge you \u2014 DISCOVER your gifts, DEVELOP your gifts, and USE your gifts for God\u2019s glory. Serve, work, labor for His glory. Sing, teach, serve, learn, lead, organize and help for God\u2019s glory!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever your gifts or talents are \u2014 use them for His glory! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, there\u2019s another picture of worship in this story. And it\u2019s found in the actions of Lazarus. <\/strong>Here John<\/strong> teaches that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. YOU CAN WORSHIP GOD WITH YOUR TIME.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, in verse 2 John<\/strong> says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 \u201c<\/em><\/strong>Here <\/em>a dinner was given in Jesus\u2019 honor<\/em>. Martha served, <\/em>while<\/em><\/strong>Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know it may seem like a passing thought \u2014 but John<\/strong> includes the details about Lazarus<\/strong> reclining at the table \u2014 because it matters. While Lazarus<\/strong> could have been anywhere else, doing anything else \u2014 but\u2026he chose to sit with Jesus<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John<\/strong> says \u201cLazarus was reclining\u201d<\/em> with Jesus<\/strong>. In essence, he\u2019s saying \u2014 Lazarus<\/strong> was hanging with him, engaging<\/strong> with Him<\/strong>, he was listening to Him<\/strong>, He was learning from Him, <\/strong>he was focused on Him<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lazarus<\/strong> was using HIS TIME <\/strong>to get close to Jesus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone is given the same amount of time; 24 hours each day, 168 hours each week.  Once a moment passes, it is gone forever. So the question is: How are we using our time?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Colossians 4:5<\/strong>, the apostle Paul<\/strong> says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWalk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Psalm 90:12<\/strong>, Moses<\/strong> says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cteach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, in Ephesians 5:15-16<\/strong>, the apostle<\/strong> Paul<\/strong> says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c15\u00a0<\/strong>Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16\u00a0<\/strong>making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each of these passages call us to be wise stewards<\/strong> of our time. More than that \u2014 make sacred use of every moment<\/strong> we\u2019re given. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s just what Lazarus<\/strong> was doing. He was redeeming his time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, he (better than most) understood that time is fleeting. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. You never know when this life may end and your eternity may begin. And so, while Lazarus<\/strong> could have chosen to use his time in any other way \u2014 he knew that there was no better way to invest his time, than to invest it in sitting with Jesus<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we enter into the presence of God so we are touched and transformed by His presence, as we come face to face with our redeemer and lover of our soul, and we see God for who He is. To be intimate with God is to know God, to love God and to be one with God, living our lives as one with Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have been created in His image, we are joint heirs with Christ<\/strong> (Rom 8:17) and we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Eph 1:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lazarus<\/strong> used his time to recline and sit with Jesus<\/strong> (and the others). He gave Jesus his full attention. Lazarus<\/strong> wasn\u2019t just THERE<\/strong> \u2014 He was present<\/strong>. He was present physically \u2014 but the implication is that he was also present emotionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You know it\u2019s possible to be physically present \u2014 by emotionally checked out. The difference between the two has to do with our focus and attention.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember a time (many years ago) when my children were small \u2014 I was given the charge of keeping my middle son Preston. I\u2019m not sure where Lori was, she may have run to the grocery store or something. But, it seems like it was a Saturday, and Preston was about 4 years old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I do recall is that he was sitting in my lap, talking to me \u2014 while I was watching a ballgame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At any rate, I was listening to both he and the game\u2026and the game must have had the greater part of my attention. Because, at one point in his conversation, he grabbed my cheeks <\/strong>with both of his little hands, he twisted my head towards him (until we were face to face), and he repeated whatever it was he had just said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember thinking \u2014 THIS BOY IS MORE IMPORTANT than my ballgame.<\/strong> He wanted my attention \u2014 and he deserved it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, I have often looked back on that moment with the understanding that how I use my time and what I give my attention to REALLY MATTERS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when it comes to our time with God (whether it\u2019s a time in His Word<\/strong>, or a time we spend in prayer<\/strong>, or even the time we gather together with others<\/strong> or hear the preaching of the Word<\/strong>\u2026wherever we are \u2014 LET\u2019S BE PRESENT!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how are you doing with this one? Are you making space in your schedule to be with Jesus? Does your schedule need to change? Are you using your time wisely and honoring God with the moments He\u2019s entrusted to you? And are you present<\/strong> (in the moment) when you read His Word, or sing in worship, or engage Him in prayer? If not, make a change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give God<\/strong> your full attention! Give Him your time. Because<\/strong> how you use your time matters!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, there\u2019s one more descriptive picture of worship in this story. And it\u2019s found in the actions of Mary<\/strong>. Wrapping up this story, John <\/strong>teaches that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. YOU CAN WORSHIP GOD WITH YOUR TREASURES.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice again in verse 3<\/strong>, John<\/strong> says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 <\/em><\/strong>Then <\/em>Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus\u2019 feet and wiped his feet with her hair. <\/em><\/strong>And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This third picture of worship may be the best. As it reveals Mary<\/strong> sitting at Jesus<\/strong> feet \u2014 and giving Him all she had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This story is told in two other places in scripture. The others include a few more details \u2014 but all three highlight her intentional use of her treasure (her costly perfume). This may have been a part of her dowry. It may have been her greatest treasure \u2014 and she gave it to Jesus. Not because He needed, but it was a display of her gratitude and love for him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand, she didn\u2019t do this because Jesus<\/strong> needed it. He didn\u2019t need anything from her. As the Son of God<\/strong>, He had everything at His disposal. He was the heir of all things. The creator of all things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul<\/strong> describes him in Colossians 1<\/strong> saying,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 <\/em><\/strong>The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. <\/em>16 <\/em><\/strong>For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. <\/em>17 <\/em><\/strong>He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What could Mary have possessed that Jesus would have needed? Nothing. He had (and has) all he needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, everything we have really comes from Him. So, if we offer Him anything we possess \u2014 it\u2019s really been His to begin with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was a boy, I remember the gifts I gave my parents. They were usually hand-made and simple. But there were also times when I saved up my money\u2026usually a quarter I found in the cracks of our couch, or a dime my parents gave me (when they received the change from a purchase they made). But, there were times when I\u2019d save up those coins and use them to buy a small gift for for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every time I would do so, they were overjoyed. They didn\u2019t need anything from me \u2014 but they welcomed it and celebrated it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember one year, I was eight years old \u2014 and my dad\u2019s birthday had come around. I scrapped up all the change I had and filled my pockets. I then walked down to the corner house on our street (where an old craftsman lived). He was known for making leather belts and wallets and things like that. I assume he would take them to the local flea market and sell them\u2026I\u2019m not really sure. But I recall asking him to make my dad a leather key fob for all his keys. I watched him cut it out of a thick piece of leather, shape it, smooth it\u2019s edges, and then imprint my dad\u2019s initials on the front side. I paid the man \u2014 and skipped all the way home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was so excited about my gift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember giving wrapping it myself and giving it to my daddy after dinner on his birthday. It wasn\u2019t anything impressive \u2014 but he loved it. I remember the way he held it up and looked at it, the embrace he gave me and the kiss on my head. And I was filled with joy as he transferred his keys from his old key-ring to the new one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several years ago I was visiting my parents at their home in Florida, and I was looking for something in my dad\u2019s office drawer. And to my surprise, I found that old leather key fob tucked away all these years later. He didn\u2019t really need it \u2014 but He received it, and cherished it, and loved it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You know, there\u2019s nothing you can give God that He really needs from you! But when you give him your heart<\/strong>, and your attention<\/strong>, and your affection<\/strong>, and even those tangible<\/strong> offerings<\/strong> that you\u2019ve worked hard to earn, collected, and save up\u2026those things matter! Those offerings declare your love for Him and your surrender to Him.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They express your desire to make God first in your life! That\u2019s what Mary<\/strong> did. SHE GAVE GOD HER TREASURE<\/strong> as an act of worship.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As she took her jar filled with that expensive perfume (called NARD<\/strong>), and broke it\u2026pouring it out on Jesus<\/strong>. She was honoring Him with her treasure. And that act was an act of worship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might be interested to know that NARD<\/strong> wasn\u2019t common. It was an rare and expensive oil, perfumed from an herb that grew in the Himalayas – somewhere around India<\/strong> or Tibet. <\/strong>And most of the time, it was diluted before sold. Only this text tells us it was \u201cpure nard.\u201d<\/strong> Meaning it was genuine…and undiluted. It was the real stuff, and very expensive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to John, the business men in the group quickly figured it was worth a year\u2019s wages – probably the investment of her life\u2019s savings. But his reluctance didn\u2019t stop her for giving it all. According to Matthew<\/strong> and Mark\u2019s<\/strong> account, she must have poured it on his head first \u2014 and then used what was left to anoint his feet. But, she didn\u2019t bring a towel, so she lets down her hair uses it to wipe his feet. You must understand — this was over the top. Very expressive, and beyond the cultural norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was an act of humility \u2014 as she poured out the oil, and her dignity\u2026giving it all to Jesus<\/strong>. But this wasn\u2019t an accident \u2014 Mary<\/strong> knew what she was doing. It was intentional!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hear me today — intentional<\/strong> extravagant worship is always welcomed and received by God.<\/strong> So, while Judas<\/strong> and those like him scoffed at her on that day \u2014 Jesus<\/strong> came to her defense and praised Mary<\/strong> for what she\u2019d done.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In verse 7<\/strong>, Jesus<\/strong> speaks up and says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cLeave her alone,\u201d \u2026\u201cIt was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. <\/em>8 <\/em><\/strong>You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John 12:1-8 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re called to live a lifestyle of worship\u2014not simply setting apart portions of our week<\/strong> nor portions of our lives <\/strong>for worship. But to give Jesus everything we have \u2014 all we have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how do you cultivate a lifestyle of worship? <\/strong>You devote yourself to living every moment as<\/strong> unto the Lord<\/strong>. You Give Him your heart, and mind, and strength. You use your talents, and your treasures, and your time to serve Him and other. You give generously and freely, and hold nothing back. Because that\u2019s what worship is \u2014 it\u2019s a LIFESTYLE!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CLOSING PRAYER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, if you long to live a lifestyle of worship<\/strong>, then it begins with a fully surrendered life.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, before we wrap up today \u2014 I want to give you an opportunity to do that. So, if you\u2019ve sensed God<\/strong> stirring your heart, prompting you to trust in Him<\/strong>. Would you respond by praying with me? Maybe you\u2019d say something like this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavenly<\/em><\/strong>Father<\/em><\/strong>, I admit that I am a sinner and I\u2019ve chosen my way over yours too often. But all that changes today. Because, I believe in Your Son, Jesus. I believe that He came from Heaven to earth to pay for my sin. I believe He died on the cross, shed His blood, was put in a grave \u2014 and rose again. So, today \u2014 I put my faith in Jesus. <\/em>Forgive me of my sin<\/em><\/strong>. Save me and give me new life in you forever. I pray this in Jesus name, Ame<\/em>n. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, before we go \u2014 would you allow me to pray for you? As a congregation \u2014would you stand with me today, and let\u2019s commit together to living our lives for His glory! Let me pray\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavenly<\/em><\/strong>Father<\/em><\/strong>, we come before You <\/em>with hearts full of gratitude<\/em>for<\/em><\/strong>who You are \u2014 <\/em><\/strong>and for <\/em>all that You have done<\/em>. Lord, it is our desire to live our lives in a way that fully honors You\u2026not just with our words, but with every aspect of our lives. Help us use our time, talents, and treasures in a way that reflects you and your goodness. Help us to understand that <\/em>every moment <\/em><\/strong>we have, <\/em>every gift <\/em><\/strong>we’ve been given, and <\/em>every resource<\/em><\/strong> at our disposal <\/em>is an opportunity to bring glory to Your name<\/em>. We commit our lives, our resources, and all we are to You. May everything we do reflect Your glory and bring praise to Your name. We pray this in Jesus name, Ame<\/em>n.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well friends, it\u2019s been so good being with you today \u2014 thanks for having me. I look forward to being with you again soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God bless you! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP Romans 12:1-2; John 12:1-8 INTRODUCTION: This morning I want to talk to you about LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP.\u00a0 Nearly …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1169","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1169"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1169\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1171,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1169\/revisions\/1171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}