Worship is not about outward expressions but inward participation in every aspect of our service. If we let go of our preconceptions and fears, true and genuine worship will transform us every time we meet, drawing others to Christ. Singing praises with all our heart, praying with genuine devotion, and absorbing the preached word with an open mind will strengthen our faith and visibly change our lives. By preparing our hearts, engaging deeply in worship, and expecting God’s presence, we ensure each service is impactful. Let’s fully immerse ourselves in worship, leaving each service renewed, inspired, and empowered to live out our faith with greater purpose and conviction.
Worship is not just close to our hearts; it is central to our faith and the life of a Christian. More than a Sunday routine, worship is the heartbeat of our spiritual lives, connecting us deeply with our Creator. Through worship, we experience God’s presence, receive His guidance, and respond to His love with heartfelt praise and adoration. Jesus tells us in John 4:23-24 that the Father seeks true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. This means worship is not merely about singing songs or attending church services but fully engaging our hearts, minds, and spirits in adoring God. Worship transforms us, aligning our hearts with God’s will, infusing our lives with purpose, and empowering us to live our faith with passion and conviction. As we explore the importance of worship, let’s open our hearts and minds to understand its essential role in our spiritual growth and its impact on every aspect of our Christian walk. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and transformed by the power of true worship. A Christian who doesn’t experience genuine worship is like a lamp without oil, a sailboat without wind, a tree without roots, a well without water, a body without a heartbeat, and a journey without a destination. Just as these elements are essential for their function, worship is essential for maintaining our spiritual vitality, guiding our faith journey, keeping us rooted in God’s love, nourishing our souls, and providing purpose and direction. Without worship, we miss the strength, guidance, and sustenance that come from engaging with our Creator. Let’s commit to making worship a central part of our lives, fully engaging in heartfelt praise, prayer, and devotion to God, allowing His Spirit to transform us and guide us in living out our faith.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
To be “perfect” here means to be perfect in our relationships with others.
By using “therefore” at the beginning of the verse, Jesus links perfection with loving our enemies (vv. 43-47).
Luke’s Gospel echoes this idea: Luke 6:35-36, “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
Matthew calls for perfection like our Father in heaven, while Luke clarifies that this perfection is about being merciful as God is merciful.
Consider this practical illustration: Imagine you are a teacher with a class of students from diverse backgrounds.
One student, in particular, often misbehaves and is disruptive.
Your initial reaction might be frustration or anger, but you remember Jesus’ call to love and be merciful.
Instead of punishing the student harshly, you decide to understand their situation better.
You learn that the student is dealing with challenges at home, which explain their behavior.
By showing compassion and offering support, you build a positive relationship with the student, helping them improve.
This example shows that perfection is about bringing God’s love into our relationships.
It’s not about expecting everyone to meet an ideal standard but about approaching others with God’s kind of love.
In the church, in marriage, or any relationship, the divine standard of perfection is about being merciful and compassionate, reflecting God’s love.
What we bring into our relationships—be it an ideal or God’s love—determines the reality between us.
True perfection is living out God’s love in every interaction.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Joe Shelnutt
Kathryn Raines
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
John McClain’s Mother
Amy Garner
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Andrew Halevi & Daughter
Ashely Burn’s Sisters
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
David Harrison – Riverside
Deanna Fowler
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Drew
Easton Fielder
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner’s Friend
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John Austin
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Sims
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Miles Bradshaw
Nora Allison
Pastor & Mrs. Driskell
Ricky Gipson
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Roseleigh Osborn
Sandra Graham
Scott Lanier
Soso Nzolo – 17 Yr. Old South African Pastor’s Daughter
Susan & Alexis Tesone
Susan Mosley
Tom Witcher