There is a simple statement in Deuteronomy 12:4 that packs a powerful punch. It says, "You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way." Of course, idol worship was the offense that brought the original charge. For us today, a standard remains for worship. God provides parameters and principles to worship Him appropriately. God knows very well what honors Him and He tells us how to do it. God knows very well what dishonors Him and what puts Him on the back burner. He is not shy about letting us know. We do not set the boundaries and dictate, "This is how I will worship God. I don't like this way or that way." "Like" is not the issue.

What honors God? What glorifies God? What is it that pleases Him? These questions are the chief concerns with worship.

If you were to look through the scriptures for every instance of the word "worship," some interesting patterns would develop. One is that God is very serious about worship. He did not tolerate a self-styled worship on the part of His people who turned from His prescription. Deuteronomy 30:17 gets to the root of how and why we get off track when it says, "But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them." Notice how our hearts and ability to hear are directly linked to our worship. Such passages do more than cause me pause - they stop me in my tracks and cause me to ask myself, "Is my heart turned toward God and worshiping Him with openness? Am I able to hear from God and hear from His servants? Is my heart dictating to God terms of worship or am I able to accept His words and participate in worship with a tender acceptance?" Let us not dismiss Old Testament principles into that neverland of "that's in the Old Testament" so as to avoid coming to grips with fearing God and worshiping Him in truth.

You and I know that worship is bigger than a church service. Our very lives are expressions of how much we value God and therefore make a worship statement. However, there is no such thing as a growing, mature Christian who serves God in exclusion of worshiping in a local body where truth is preached, submission is practiced, love is lived, and service is essential. I am forced to ask myself how is it that we at CCC can promote worshiping God? A myriad of things come to mind about how we relate to the body of Christ, but let's keep it simple for now. Let us start with our own hearts as Deuteronomy 30:17 points out. Are you preparing your heart for worship each day as you meet with God? I would suggest spending some alone time with Him to keep your heart open and active in communion with Him. Are you using your time and resources as expressions of His Lordship in your life? Are you preparing your hearts for worship on Sunday morning? Are your expectations focused on listening to what God has to say to you with a tender heart or is church simply another entertainment or social outlet? How about trying something different this Sunday: come to church 15 minutes early and prepare your heart by praying while in the sanctuary. Some might want to go to the front of the room and kneel. Others might want to stay in their seats. Some may want to stay in their car a few minutes and prepare. For those who come to the first service, you might want to join the group that meets at 8:15 AM to pray upstairs. The point is to prepare your own heart and ask God to help you to listen and respond to Him with tenderness and pliability as He speaks to you.

One other thing about worship: God is blessed by our sincere worship. Numerous scriptures speak of us blessing God. Imagine that. We please Him when we worship Him with right hearts. Let us all unite around the concept of simply wanting to please Him in our worship. I think we will all be amazed at how attitudes and actions for all are properly adjusted around the simple concept of doing whatever it takes to bless God in our worship.

Here's to CCC being a blessing to the Most High.

-- Kevin Short, Senior Pastor