2026-01-11 What Is True Worship?

Discover True Worship: Four Transformative Truths That Will Change How You Honor God

What if the worship songs we sing on Sunday mornings are just the beginning? What if true worship is something far more costly, more beautiful, and more life-changing than we've ever imagined?

In John 12, we find Mary doing something that seemed wasteful to everyone watching. She took a pound of expensive perfume—worth nearly a year's wages—and poured it over Jesus' feet, then wiped them with her hair. The room filled with fragrance. Judas immediately criticized her, suggesting the perfume should have been sold to help the poor. But Jesus defended her, recognizing her act as true worship.

This powerful moment reveals what genuine worship looks like when it flows from a transformed heart.

True Worship Costs Us Something

Mary didn't give Jesus her leftovers. She gave Him her most valuable possession. True worship requires sacrifice—our time, our resources, our comfort, our plans. It's easy to worship when it's convenient, but authentic worship often demands something from us.

Martin Luther once said, "A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing is worth nothing." When following Jesus begins to infringe on our comfort or routine, that's precisely when our worship becomes real. The widow who gave two small coins gave more than the wealthy because she gave everything she had. God doesn't measure our worship by the amount but by the heart behind it.

True Worship Faces Criticism

When you worship wholeheartedly, expect pushback. Judas questioned Mary's devotion, making it sound reasonable and righteous. But his real motive was greed. Similarly, when we use our resources, time, and energy to honor Christ, others may misunderstand or mock us.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." We must love others unconditionally while striving unconditionally to please God—not the other way around.

True Worship Honors Jesus Above Everything

Mary's worship focused entirely on Jesus. She didn't split her devotion between Christ and something else. We can't worship God and money, God and status, God and relationships. It's God alone or it's not true worship.

Isaiah 42:8 declares, "I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other." When we exalt Jesus above everything else in our lives—our careers, our families, our dreams—we're finally worshiping in spirit and truth.

True Worship Overflows from a Transformed Life

Here's the ultimate test: Are people drawn to Jesus because of your life? After Lazarus was raised from the dead, people came to faith not just because of Jesus, but because of Lazarus's testimony. His transformed life overflowed, pointing others to Christ.

If you've been saved and transformed by Jesus, it should show. Your life should overflow with His presence in a way that makes others curious. At work, at home, at the grocery store—are people leaving interactions with you wanting to know more about the One who changed you?

Take the Next Step

Examine your life honestly. Is your worship costly, or do you only give God what's convenient? Are you willing to face criticism for your faith? Does Jesus hold the throne in your life, or are you splitting your devotion? Most importantly, is your transformed life pointing others to Christ?

True worship isn't confined to Sunday mornings. It's a lifestyle that honors Jesus in every moment, every decision, every relationship. It costs us everything, but it's worth everything.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, transform us into true worshipers. Help us surrender everything to You—our time, our resources, our comfort, our very lives. Give us boldness to worship You even when it's costly or criticized. May our lives overflow with Your presence so that others are drawn to You. Make us worshipers who honor Jesus above all else. In His name, Amen.

2026-01-04 Awaken My Heart

Awaken Your Heart: Discovering God in the Wilderness of Life

Ever find yourself wondering if God is trying to tell you something, especially during life's most challenging moments? As we step into a new year, many of us are eager to make changes—whether it's hitting the gym or starting a new diet. But what if the most important transformation is awakening our hearts to God? This sermon on solitude and spiritual growth invites us to explore how we can truly connect with God, even in the wilderness of our lives.

David's Wilderness Experience

Imagine being in King David's shoes. Once a mighty ruler, he found himself in the wilderness, hunted by his own son, Absalom. This wasn't just a family squabble; it was a life-threatening rebellion. Yet, in this desolate place, David penned Psalm 63, a powerful testament to his unwavering faith. He writes, "God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you, my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water."

David's story teaches us that spiritual awakening often begins in our most challenging times. When everything else is stripped away, we discover that God is better than life itself. It's not about self-improvement or new resolutions; it's about a heart that longs for God above all else.

The Power of Solitude

Why does solitude matter in our spiritual journey? In the quiet moments, away from the noise and distractions, we can truly hear God's voice. David's wilderness experience wasn't just a physical journey; it was a spiritual one. He valued God above all, declaring that God's love is better than life itself. This wasn't just theology for David; it was a lived conviction.

When was the last time you paused to listen for God? In our busy lives, it's easy to fill our thirst with substitutes—busyness, entertainment, or success. But true satisfaction comes from God alone. As David discovered, worship isn't about circumstances; it's about valuing God above all else.

Trusting God for the Future

David's confidence in God didn't come from changed circumstances. He was still in the wilderness, yet he trusted God for what lay ahead. This kind of faith is echoed in the New Testament by Paul and Silas, who sang hymns in a Philippian jail, praising God before their chains fell off.

What about you? If your future feels uncertain, if your prayers seem unanswered, worship anyway. Trust that God holds the future, even when you can't see the outcome. Confidence doesn't come from changed circumstances; it comes from a heart awakened to the God of the impossible.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

1. Seek God Earnestly: Begin each day with a simple prayer, asking God to awaken your heart to His presence.

2. Value God Above All: Reflect on what truly matters in your life. Are there areas where you need to prioritize God over comfort or success?

3. Embrace Solitude: Set aside time each week to be alone with God. Use this time to meditate on His word and listen for His voice.

4. Trust God for the Future: Write down your fears and uncertainties, then pray over them, asking God to help you trust Him with what lies ahead.

A Prayer for Awakening

Heavenly Father, awaken our hearts to seek You earnestly. Help us to value Your love above all else and trust You with our future. In the quiet moments, may we hear Your voice and find peace in Your presence. Amen.

As we journey through this new year, let's commit to awakening our hearts to God, trusting Him in every season of life. Whether you're a regular churchgoer or exploring faith for the first time, know that God is ready to meet you in the wilderness and lead you into a deeper relationship with Him.