And all throughout the psalms, the songs and the prayers of grateful people are offered to the Lord as valuable moments of adoration. Never underestimate the value of your prayers.
3.YOUR RESOURCE - In an age of consumersim, the cry for new boats, new cars, bigger this, bigger that, keeping up with the Jones's (whoever the Jones's are!!), over-eating, under-caring, over-spending... like a bad habit.... While there is nothing wrong with having 'things', you've always got to make sure that the things don't have you. Again, it always boils down to the heart.
Resource in Acts was used to care for the community of faith...
God loves to give GOOD gifts to His children... but they are always to be shared... open hands
Prov 31 says generously... that she opens her hands to the poor.
4. YOUR HEART - The issues of our lives spring from our hearts. your affections, your passions, misguided passions, illicit passions, ungodly desires, OR... thought processes that are damaging to your soul... negative, jealous destructive thoughts, feeling like you have no worth, overwhelming desire that takes up every thought, being critical, suspicious... even being passive... no stirring of passion in your heart.
Jeremieh...the heart is deceitful above all things
Psalm 19 - may the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You O Lord
Psalm 24... Who may ascend my Holy Hill... Clean hands and a pure heart...
AS A MAN THINKS IN HIS HEART, so is he....
Highly important area in life to take care of....
Anyway lovely people, I guess I am a little preachy this time, but this topic so burns in my heart. (I actually have another 4 points, but I'm sure the editors would love to hear from others..)
With all my heart I encourage you to live a life that is passionate and true. Not for the praises of man, but ultimately to hear the only 'well done' that will eternally matter. Don't allow the worship in your life to be given thoughtlessly, but with great care and understanding.... For He alone, is worthy of ALL praise.
Love you so... Darlene Z.
Darlene Zschech
Christian Today Columnist
Darlene Zschech is a renowned singer and songwriter, also the worship pastor of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. Her best known song "Shout to the Lord" is sung by an estimated 25-30 million churchgoers every week. In 2000, Darlene received a Dove Award nomination for 'Songwriter of the year' and has received the 'International Award' from GMA (Gospel Music Association). Darlene Zschech and her husband Mark are currently serving as executive directors of Mercy Ministries.
