Throwing A Kiss

It is a wonderful feeling to adore someone and suddenly throw them a kiss. We might even wonder, later, why we did it. This simple reaction is at the heart of worship. It is an external act demonstrating an internal feeling. When a devoted Christian feels the highest form of love for their Savior they sometimes want to fall, face down, on the ground which is another normal act of worship. This reflects a heartfelt adoration for our Creator. When we worship God our response may take many forms. It could involve our physical body, our emotions, any mental abilities and of course our spiritual being. Some of us will say, “I have never worshiped God to any high degree.”  This is usually because we have an inadequate concept of our God. We must ask the Spirit of worship to help us appreciate the magnitude of the Almighty. Some people claim they can worship God without any external sign at all. Genuine worship does start on the inside of us but most people will show some external sign of a real love.

There is some kind of pressure that builds-up when people of faith have been denied any external form of worship. This is because worship is a natural response for us and the continuing feeling of respect we have for God needs to be expressed. Believers feel humble when they think of their Creator and His great love. Worldly people will sometimes say they have no feelings for God which proves that their spirit is dead. It is a real privilege that our spirits have been brought to life so that we can want to throw a kiss to (adore) God. Christians soon learn what a great feeling it is to tell others that “God is my personal God”.  Knowing that we have a special connection with the Almighty makes the world look different to us. At times we may have a wonderful feeling about something God is doing and not even understand what it means. When we adore God the Spirit of worship can move in us at any time or place. We can look to our Savior just like a child looks at their father with trust, wonder and delight. God has never let one of His children down and He never will. Confidence can increase our adoration.

The like-mindedness of a group of people can also increase our faith. In fact, organized worship shows admiration for God simply by the directed efforts we put forth. Jesus did tell the woman at the well; True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 (NLT) But Jesus was talking to people who had spent their lives going through the traditional motions of religion. Simply going through the motions here on earth will never impress our God who is a Spirit. When our spirit has been brought to life by our Creator we are then able to worship Him in spirit and truth. Jesus was not forbidding our external worship but telling us that it must begin on the inside. Paul said that even a sinner will respond externally at times; As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.” 1 Cor 14:25 (NLT) There is nothing wrong with external worship when it comes from our heart.

Real worship will usually result in praise which is “to confess approval”. It is an act of worship when our mouth is pronouncing good things about our Lord. Paul says that God has made His children so that we would naturally praise Him; And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Eph 1:13-14 (NLT) Christians should vocalize their feelings of adoration because the Father loves it. The Scriptures say; “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” Heb 2:12 In this passage we see another reason why we gather with believers. It affords us the chance to both hear and tell some of the reasons that we love our Father. Worship and praise will build us up in our faith and make us stronger Christians. When a group of believers is truly worshiping from their hearts it is as though we give a standing ovation to God.

The first church was formed after Jesus died in Jerusalem. The people were getting to know each other and everyone loved their brother. The Bible describes it this way; They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God. Acts 2:46-47 (NLT) We are told that they were continually praising God no matter what other things they were doing.  Worshiping God is not a part time activity for people who really love God. Our heart is continually reaching out in love for our Savior and his Father. Peter said that we are special; But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) Once again we see that as special children of God it is really part of our privileged position to give adoration to our Creator. We are allowing the glory of God in Christ, to shine through the Spirit in us.

Throwing a kiss is an odd name for this paper. However, the actual meaning of the Greek word for worship is “to kiss”. This kiss of adoration was better known in some ancient cultures where many different things were worshiped. Many kings required that people kiss their hand or foot. But our God is so loving, that we are invited into His family. When Jesus was on earth He even went so far as to wash the disciple’s feet. With a God that is so wonderful and different from this world, why would we not adore Him? It is no wonder that a real believer continually has a feeling of worship swelling up in their heart. Let it out. One very productive way to let it out is to encourage the believers that we know or meet. It is not possible for us to know how much it might mean to the recipient, but the Lord knows. If we are not feeling the adoration for God that should be in our heart then simply ask Him and He will give us abundantly. Throw a kiss to God today, He will appreciate it.                                      

From Glory to Glory

Glory is not an item that we are able give or take. Glory is the brightness and splendor that rightfully belongs to something. For example, great wealth has its own splendor, a successful military power has its glorious parade and there is the majesty of a king’s royal court. These things deserve their glory because of what they are. The Creator of everything that exists has the greatest natural glory of all. The Spiritual idea declared in the title is that of our movement toward a final position in the glory of the Almighty. We came into the greatness of God’s glory when we were born again but we are continually moving closer to our final configuration as we follow the leading of God’s Holy Spirit that lives in us. The psalmist said; Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Psalms 73:24-25 (KJV) Even Old Testament believers knew that if they obeyed God they would someday be included in the glory of the Almighty. We must desire to be part of God’s glory.

We have a glorious God. The Scripture says; Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling. O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory (praise) he deserves! 1 Chron 16:27-29 (NLT) The glory of the Almighty has been seen many times by humans although we cannot actually see God. The Scriptures tell us that; as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of the Lord in the cloud. Ex 16:10 (NLT) When the glory of God arrives on earth that place becomes Holy; When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. Ex 3:4-5 (NLT) Even nature speaks of God’s glory in its own ways; The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; Psalms 19:1-2 (NLT) There is plenty of room for us to move from glory to glory with God.

Today we have the greatest manifestation of God’s glory that ever came to earth.  The Bible says; So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 (NLT) John had seen Jesus in person but we are waiting until He comes to claim His Church. Because Jesus is the image of the Almighty he is also surrounded by the great glory of God. One of the heavenly songs says; “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” Rev 5:13 (NLT) Jesus is the greatest manifestation of God’s glory that the world will ever have the opportunity to see.  For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Col 3:3-4 (NLT) We have come to the Scriptures that gives us our hope of moving “from glory to glory”.

Because the Spirit of Jesus dwells in us we now have the privilege and ability to move ever forward into God’s glory. After years of serving the Lord some believers have an expression that will actually shine at times. Paul said that we should look forward; Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:2 (NLT) Of course, the glory we can be a part of here on earth is relatively small compared to what waits for us in Heaven. God the trinity all have their part in moving us into Glory. The Bible says; I pray that from his ( the Father) glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Eph 3:16-17 (NLT) The Father’s Glory is available when the Spirit empowers us because we have faith in Jesus. These three personalities make up our God and their Glory is greater than any human mind can ever comprehend. What a privilege to serve such a great God.

It is our responsibility to tell other people about the Glory of Jesus and God. One of the Psalms says this beautifully. Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.
 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Psalms 96:6-10 (NLT) Remember that the definition of glory is splendor and our Lord is surrounded with Holy Splendor. One time Isaiah saw the splendor of the Lord as He sat on a throne; “high and lifted up” was his expression. The prophet felt so unclean that he had to be purified with the hot coals from a fire. The point is that we must also become pure before we arrive in Heaven to live in God’s glory. Each Christian is required to reflect the glory of our Lord in this life. The image of Jesus in our face will move from Glory to Glory until we meet Him in person someday soon.  

Knitted in Abundance

The final product is never completely accurate when an item is built without having plenty of good materials. Sometimes people can use scraps and finish the job. Or maybe the builder can substitute a similar material in order to complete the work. The point is that God is in the process of building new people and He has an unlimited supply of good materials for the job. We will not be junk when God finishes with us because He has absolutely everything we need. Paul talks about the building of his new life in this passage; I obtained mercy… And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1 Tim 1:13-14 (KJV) We see here that the abundance of God’s grace is available because of Jesus. All of the other abundant gifts that build the complete Christian are accessible in the same way grace is. By faith everything that takes place in our new life will happen in Jesus Christ. The great love of God was brought to earth by Jesus on our behalf. Now through our own faith in Christ we can seek God and ask to be brought into his family.

It is our own fault if our new life seems to have an inadequate amount of building materials. God wants an overflow of every material in our life so that we will have plenty for other people. It is very important that every new member of God’s family begin to study their Bible. The Scriptures will explain the details of God’s great plan to redeem us in Jesus Christ. The words in this Book contain the materials we need to grow if we simply ask. This next verse explains that we are held together with abundant love; I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.  Col 2:2(NLT) We see here that every child of God is held together with ties of love. Paul assures us of the abundance; They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 (NLT) The truth is that God loves people even before they come to faith. His mercy just waits for people to get off their high horse and humbly seek Him.

Many people have the mistaken idea that giving up our worldly life to serve God will make us unhappy. They don’t know the truth because they have not experienced a life of faith. Even if we do have worldly riches Paul tell us; Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Tim 6:17 (NLT) This word enjoyment means “the mind adhering with affection to an object”. A person of faith is using their mind to adhere to Jesus Christ. As He fills our life we have many unexplainable joys that sometimes cause the world to wonder what we are so happy about. God not only abundantly supplies what we need to do His work but “richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment”. Anyone who is enjoying the abundance of God will overflow with thanksgiving especially when others are saved.  And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 2 Cor 4:15 (NLT) What a beautiful life.

We are talking about being knitted in the abundance of God and this is very different than our human understanding of plenty. When we have abundance on earth it is piled up waiting for us and even getting in our way at times. Some people have so much stuff that they can’t even find something when they need it. But spiritual abundance is different because it is given to us when we are involved in active obedience to God. As we need it so to speak. There is a wonderful new world waiting for every faithful servant of God. All of the Bible writers encourage us to live a life worthy of our calling. Peter said; Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11 (KJV) In other words, if we want to be sure of an abundant entrance into Heaven we must live an abundant spiritual life on earth. Long ago Adam fell into sin and death because he disobeyed but the abundance of God can restore us to the high state of obedience and happiness that a Christian longs for.

Happiness in this world should be valued highly but we will never find it in worldly riches. Most people know that riches will bring worry into there life. Paul mentions here that our joy grows as we live for God and increase our knowledge of Him; I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. Phil 1:25 (NLT) In addition to the joy of this life a Christian is looking forward to life in the next world. The Bible promises the ; renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7 (KJV) We are told in another passage that the same Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead will also give us a new eternal life. It is hard to keep from jumping out of the seat when our pastor preaches on that beautiful city where we are going to live someday. The Spirit of God is continually working to influence us to live the abundant life that God has appointed for each of us.

The abundant gifts do not interest people of this world who are self-centered. But Christians are interested in serving others which makes the gifts invaluable. Here are some of the things that God gives abundantly: goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering given in Ro. 2:4. Wisdom and knowledge in Ro. 11:33. Kindness, grace, freedom and forgiveness in Eph. 1:7. Spirit, righteousness, and assurance in Titus 3:6. Abundance and understanding in Col. 2:2. Of course we cannot list everything that God has given but He certainly has plenty of things for us. Today is a good time to wholeheartedly serve God if we really want to be happy. One of the wonderful things about God’s gifts is that the more you give them the more they increase. For example we can try to give away our love but we will only end up having more love for others. It will just become more useful and powerful. Some people say that they just don’t deserve the goodness of God. Remember that everyone is undeserving. We must simply receive His abundance by faith and go forward doing the works of God.