The Next Thing

Doug Fields wrote this wonderful little book called Refuel.  It talks about the practical relationship with God we can and should have.  In one section, he described how we can get stuck feeling overwhelmed by all it takes to follow God.

Think about it.  We’re supposed to pray, read the Bible, go to small group, tithe, go to church, be nice, and do all sorts of good things. Phew! All of these are very good things unless they have become a duty.  Sometimes that’s what our good works become, a chore, a must do, or an obligation.

Doug shares a great tip for overcoming that mindset, even if you don’t think you suffer from that mindset.  He says do not worry about all of it.  Instead concentrate on just the “next thing.”  In each moment of life we have a choice to follow our will or God’s will.  If we would stop and silently ask God for His help, direction or strength in the moment, God will surely answer.

Let me illustrate from my own experience while reading this book with my small group.  As background you need to know I have a physical problem with the muscles in my right arm that makes most movement painful.  In fact, even writing this physically hurts.  Okay now to get to my “next thing” moment.

One day standing in my kitchen I noticed how dirty the cabinets had become.  The doors have a molding detail that is great at collecting dust and dirt.  Did I mention the cabinets were white?  As I stood looking at the dirty kitchen cabinets I prayed, “Lord, you know the problem with my arm.  You know my husband desires cleanliness.  Would you please help me clean these cabinets?” Well, I got to work.  You know what? God gave me the strength in my arm to clean those cabinets.  Not only that but there was no pain later on either!

This is one example of how we can turn to God in the moment and give Him our “next thing.” No matter what you are facing, stop and give it to Him.  He will lead you through, give you wisdom, or provide the strength it takes for that moment.

If you haven’t read Doug’s book yet, you might want to get your own copy today.  I highly recommend it for individual or small group study.

© ThinkOnIt Bible Ministries Inc is a 501(c) (3) Public Charity helping you grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.

10 Ways to Worship God

 

1. Don’t worship anyone or anything other than God.  Exodus 34:4 For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
2. Think about God’s characteristics, like strength, faithfulness, mercy, etc.  Psalm 29:4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
3. Gather with other believers to celebrate God. John 12:20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.
4. Consider the benefits we receive from God. Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give strength to His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace.
5. Walk in the spirit.  John 4:24 God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit in truth.
6. Study God’s Word to learn the truth.  2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
7. Sing praise to God.  Psalm 30:4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His Holy name.
8. Dance before the Lord. 2 Samuel 6:14 Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.
9. Be merciful as our Lord is merciful.  Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
10. Obey God’s Will.  John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

 Thank you God for being more than one way to worship you. In fact, there are many more than these 10 ways to worship you.  May you be glorified today through us. In Jesus’ name Amen.

© ThinkOnIt Bible Ministries Inc is a 501(c) (3) Public Charity helping you grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.

How Worshipful is Your Small Group?

There are many ways to worship. You might think about selecting a certain praise & worship song to play at the beginning of your small group time. If you do, bring the song lyrics as well. If you don’t  have the lyrics, you can always find them on the internet. Open an internet browser, in the search box, type in “free lyrics for artist name song title”.

Play the song on a portable stereo or on your computer. Pass out lyrics and allow the group to sing aloud if they want to. Encourage everyone that it’s not the quality of our voice that counts, but that we make “a joyous noise unto the Lord.”

Another way to worship is to have the group think of the multifaceted characteristics of God. There’s a little game I play with my group that works out real nicely. It’s called Worship ABC. Using the alphabet, we think of a characteristic of God for each letter of the alphabet. Start with A. Have everyone think of something starting with “A”. You might start the conversation with something like, “I thank you God, for being All-Knowing.” Go around the room until no one can think of anymore “A” characteristic, then switch to “B.” Repeat this until you finish the alphabet. It’s fun. Just watch how the Spirit does the prompting!

Discover other ways to worship in small group here.

(c) ThinkOnIt Bible Ministries Inc.