The ONLY true response to that radical grace is through EXTRAORDINARY WORSHIP.
When we fully consider what God's grace means to us....that it has given us true life and freedom, we cannot just live normally after that. We cannot just go through the motions of each day. If we really consider that grace, then there has to be a response. Extraordinary worship.
What does that look like to me?
- singing and praising God with reckless abandon- in my church, in my home, in my car, in my shower, in my life
- lavishly giving- my money, my time, my possessions
- loving His children- orphans, widows, my neighbors
Have you ever tried not to smile or laugh when someone is intentionally trying to make you smile or laugh? It is almost painful and often impossible (if they are good). Well, God is good at showing radical grace. The perfect act of grace is finished and He continues to show grace to us each and every day. It is impossible for us to stare that in the face and not respond appropriately.
Gush with words of gratefulness.
Respond with shouts of praises.
Serve with overflowing hearts.
Lay our lives at His feet.
That is extraordinary worship and that is the only way to respond to God's radical grace.
When I consider the path before us with the adoption of siblings from Ghana I am sometimes scared. There is no doubt our lives are going to change drastically. We will have struggles. Some times will be difficult. Then I realize that is the point. If I keep my life easy and comfortable am I truly worshipping extraordinarily or just ordinarily? Isn't there an implied message of sacrifice when you worship extraordinarily? Sacrifice is usually not easy or comfortable but it is an intentional response. It is a way to say, "God, you gave me everything, please show me what you want me to do with it." Give? Adopt? Serve? Speak? Pray? Fast? Listen?.....
This blog took root at my church Sunday. To hear the message that I heard see below:
Louie Giglio
AMEN and AMEN! Well stated and well lived out in your life!
ReplyDeleteLove You!
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