NOW is the Time for True Worshipers
"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24
Jesus said, "...and now is...". NOW is the time to discover that living every day to God's glory by choosing an attitude of joy, faith and peace when responding to people, events and situations is worship to the Lord. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25. The NOW in life is having the confidence to say, "I am a true worshiper. Everything I do is worship to the Lord. Every day is the day God has given to me."
True Worshiper Revelation: Faith
1. Assume the position of authority with confidence (I John 5:14). Stay in the authority position regardless of how you feel. Yielding to feelings of fear, hurt, anger, jealousy or judgment causes double-mindedness. Practice saying 'no' to those feelings when they appear. A wavering, uncertain person cannot receive from the Lord (James 1:7). 'Authority' is given by God because of Jesus Christ. 'Authority' is using Jesus Christ's name; His power is in us! It is not asking Jesus to do something he has already provided. "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents (any obstacle that hinders or attempts to rob, kill or destroy) and scorpions (one who bites with poison), and over all the power of the enemy (the defeated devil and your emotions): and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Luke 10:19.
2. Live every day in a tight compartment. Every day is a new day with new opportunities. Apply Isaiah 43:18 to your life until it becomes permanent. "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old." Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here. Do not discuss past regrets or fear of the future. This is a challenge in a society where most live in fear and regret. Think for yourself, don't be a 'crowd-thinker'. Do not hinder the Spirit of God by the need to fix people, control people, or to be right; or the fear of losing health, rejection, being taken advantage of, saying you're sorry or were wrong, embarrassment or being wrong. Need and fear hinder the awareness of Isaiah 43:19. "Behold (this is the truth), I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Remove the words 'I will' from the Old Testament and put in the words 'I have'. Because of Jesus, the 'new thing' is complete and awaits our awareness and receiving. Change your thinking from 'maybe God will heal me' to 'God has healed me'. Receiving God's provision from His promise is the 'new way' that removes the wilderness; see rivers instead of desert! The practice of verse 18 and living because of Jesus instead of trying to live for Him, reviews the completion of verse 19.
3. Tithe cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:7). Paul was not interested in the people's money. He was staying a 'true worshiper' statement. Cheerful means hilarious. Regular tithing is an act that gives confidence in life. Malachi 3:10-11 is an Old Testament law, releasing God's peace that cannot be shaken or broken by outside events. (A). Take the tithe to where you receive faith revelations. (B). Prove the Lord's provision. (C). There will always be more than enough. (D). The devourer of finances is defeated. The results of tithing cannot be explained. The open window position is the true worshiper position.
4. Romans 14 is the true worshiper's by-laws; it requires study. Verse 22 asks, "Do you have faith? Keep it to yourself." Do not ask uncertain questions. Do not condemn yourself for what you allow. Can you handle this truth? Whatever is doubt is sin, not what you allow (verse 23).
Pastor Jimm