Jumping for Joy

Back in the day, when Abstract separated Bible studies by ages and had them on different nights, Maggie taught the young adult Bible study. I specifically remember one night when we read a scripture with the word “rejoice” in it a lot, and I remember how Maggie’s face lit up at the mention of the word.

This didn’t surprise me for two reasons. First, you can’t say “rejoice” without also saying “joy” because the sound of the latter is right in the center of the former. Second, to rejoice is a direct consequence of joy. And if you’ve met Maggie even once, you know she has an abundance of joy.

How do we know it’s joy and not just happiness? Happiness is far more circumstantial than joy, and I have seen Maggie stressed out and frustrated while still being optimistic and cheerful.

Maggie has a deep well of joy, and it is evident from just being in the same room as her. I’m envious of that.

I’m probably in the very middle between melancholy and joyous. On an average day, I’ll listen to a sad song just as soon as I’ll listen to a happy song. I’m just as cynical as I am optimistic; it just depends on the subject, how my day’s going, or the position of Jupiter as to which one you get. (But seriously, there’s no real rhyme or reason for which mindset I approach things with, and for that, I’m sorry. Must make interacting with me a real pain sometimes.)

Some people just aren’t as predisposed to joy as others, and that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with not being a naturally positive person.

Of all the themes of Advent, joy is the least prevalent one in the Christmas story as I see it.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand how the existence of Jesus is joyful for people at the time and for us now. I understand the joy of Jesus well. It’s difficult for me to see the joy in the Christmas story itself. It’s easy for me to see hope, peace, and love at work through or because of Mary and Joseph’s uncertainty, faith, fear, and courage, but it is a bit more difficult for me to see joy.

There is, however, one point in the story where joy is evident and clear, more so than the other three Advent themes. It’s before Mary and Joseph knock on the innkeeper’s door. Before Caesar Augustus even called for the census. Oddly enough, it’s after the angels talk of joy and rejoicing.

Gabriel told Mary of her impending pregnancy and her cousin Elizabeth’s existing pregnancy. “A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ‘God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said'” (Luke 1:39-45, NLT).

A fetus (John the Baptist as a fetus, specifically) was so overcome with joy at simply hearing Mary talk that he rejoiced by jumping.

That’s the effect Jesus has on people. That’s the amount of joy He offers.

John’s jump is a little taste of what the angels talked about when they said Jesus would bring the world joy and that they would rejoice.

I mentioned earlier that happiness is more circumstantial than joy is, but that’s not to say that circumstances can’t whittle away at our joy. As the old adage goes, “When it rains, it pours.” So perhaps you find yourself in the middle of a rain storm. Maybe you see all these Christmas decorations or hear all these Christmas songs that proclaim joy, but you just aren’t there.

This is going to sound silly, but look at what you’re focusing on. Really look at it and be honest about it. I know it’s a problem. Is it really that big or terrifying? Some problems are and some aren’t. How solvable is it? How draining is it? How much are you contributing to the problem just by holding on to it?

Now look at baby Jesus, and I mean really look at Him. Who He was before this — a part of the Trinity who’s always existed. Who He is — an innocent newborn, made of blood and flesh like you and me. Who He becomes — a heart healer, a chain breaker, a best friend, a King, a perfect sacrifice, a loving Savior.

Isn’t that a hopeful picture? That this baby is but the middle part of a powerful, loving existence. And that gives a weird sense of peace, right? Like everything is by some miracle going to be even better than okay.

There. There’s the joy. A result of hope and peace. Not always easy to have, but more difficult to lose because when you have it, it seeps into you. It runs deep. It can wane and even be depleted entirely, but it’s not easily done because while it’s easy to lose hope or peace, it’s hard and devastating to lose both at once.

I hope you find the joy you’re looking for. I know there’s no better place to search than Jesus. His joy is always there for you, even if your joy is gone. It is constant and powerful, just like Him.

By Carrie Prevette

P.S.- If you’re interested in listening to Maggie talk about joy, which is far better than reading what I have to say about it here, you can follow this link to listen to her sermon: http://www.abstractchurch.org/sermons/.

Advent with Abstract: Christ

Jesus came the way we all do. Rumor has it that the manger scene was quiet, and perhaps it was, but I imagine Jesus came into the world screaming and crying just like you and I did. Sure, He met the world surrounded by animals instead of doctors, but His entrance was just the same. He traded His place in the womb for His place in the world. He was just like every other baby, but there was something different about Him.

Fast forward several years, and the boy couldn’t be found. Mary and Joseph went back into town and searched for Him. Maybe Mary mumbled about how she’d just seen Him when they loaded up their belongings to go home. Perhaps Joseph stopped a group of kids who looked to be Jesus’s age and asked if they’d seen Him. Regardless, they found Him in the Temple. He wasn’t sitting in the back with His arms crossed. He wasn’t sitting at the teacher’s feet, looking up in admiration. He was the teacher. All eyes were on Him as He spoke, and I can picture them with their jaws dropped. Teacher or not, Mary scolded Him, told Him how they’d looked everywhere for Him. He said, whether out of sass or genuine confusion, that they should’ve started at the Temple knowing He would be about His Father’s business. He was just like every other kid, but there was something different about Him.

Skip ahead many years. Jesus goes to His cousin John, who was baptizing people, and He went prepared to officially accept His calling and ministry. When He went under the water and arose, a dove flew by and a voice said, “This is my son, in whom I am well pleased.” He was like every other believer, but there was something different about Him.

He searched for disciples. He wanted people to teach. He knew they would learn one day and lead the next. People who would ask questions one day and answer them the next. People to grow the Kingdom He was building. But He didn’t look to the upper crust or the spiritual leaders or those of good repute. He looked on fishing boats and in tax collection agencies. He looked for the rough and the zealous. And He didn’t coerce them. He simply said, “Follow me,” and they did. He was like every other leader, but there was something different about Him.

He hung on the cross. The miracles, the traveling, the people He helped, the people He forgave, the parables, the Pharisees – it all led to a bloody display on a hill. Some only saw the blood; it’d been in their eyes from the start. His wounds were big and dirty. His feet, hands, and head bowed as much as they could under the weight. The sky darkened and suspense blew across the onlookers. He said, “It is finished,” and He died. He died as we all will (although in a far worse fashion), but there was something different about Him.

The difference? He never faltered. He gave out hope, peace, joy, and love perfectly. He was the Son of God, and He knew it. In 33 and a half years, He changed the entire world. And when He died, He came back to life, scarred but not defeated.

He came back for you. His resurrected life gives us life. He came back for the times that we verge on death and need to be brought back ourselves.

He did it all for you. Everything all the way back to leaving His throne and walking among precious, imperfect humanity. That baby in the manger? He looks cute and innocent. But He’s all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving. He was there when Earth was formed. He alone has what it takes to rescue you completely. Humanity’s hope laid in a manger, and He changed everything.

By Carrie Prevette

Advent with Abstract: Joy and Peace

Mary’s first reaction was fear.

Who could blame her? Motherhood isn’t something I long to pursue. If I were to ever marry a guy, and he truly wanted children, I’d be willing to concede, but it’d be the ultimate testament of my love for him. Kids are a certain lack of freedom and a responsibility to look after someone and raise a functioning member of society. They are screaming and crying turning into tantrums and slammed doors. They’re waking up early and filling out all sorts of forms and spending unreal amounts of money. And always wondering if you’re doing a good job.

I don’t think I’ve ever talked to a mom who wasn’t at least a little scared or nervous about having kids. There’s so much one has to do or be careful of; there are so many ways to mess up. There’s this tiny human who you love, and you don’t want to let him or her down or ruin the child.

But Mary’s case called for even more concern than that. She was a young, engaged virgin who stood to lose a lot if the whole situation was handled badly. Joseph, her betrothed, could’ve ditched her with varying degrees of hurt and suffering. He could pursue a public, messy divorce, which would’ve ended with Mary being stoned. Or he could’ve pursued a quiet divorce with a few witnesses and an exchange of money. Mary’s family could’ve disowned her. Out of context or in disbelief, Mary’s situation would’ve been scandalous and disgraceful to the family. Sure, they would lose a worker and a means of provision, but they would have two less people to provide for. Yes, Mary had every right to be afraid.

God chose wisely (as always) when He chose Mary, because once Mary listened to the angel, she chose faith. When Joseph perused his heart and his options, when Mary journeyed to see her also-pregnant cousin, Elizabeth, when she traveled with Joseph to Bethlehem, Mary constantly and consistently chose faith.

What’s more, Mary was beyond being content. She was even beyond being happy. She was joyful and peaceful.

That’s certainly a credit to Mary’s personal strength and mindset, and I wouldn’t dream of denying that or failing to point that out. But as with everything, and I think Mary would agree with me wholeheartedly, it’s really more Jesus’ doing than her own.

Psalm 21:6 (NRSV) says, “You bestow on [the king] blessings forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.”

1 Peter 1:8 (NLT) reads, “You love [Jesus] even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.”

Jesus says in John 14:27 (NLT), “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

And He goes on to say in John 16:33 (NRSV), “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

God identifies as love, but joy and hope are also intrinsic parts of His character. So much so that to know God is to know joy and hope. To be in His presence, in any capacity, fills one with joy. To have a relationship with Him is to be filled with peace.

Mary went from fear to gladness so quick because she knew who was with her. She knew who put her where she was and she knew who was growing inside of her. It gave her joy that she couldn’t describe or explain. It gave her an unshakable peace. She got to walk every day with the source of it all. She knew Him better than any other human could.

How much joy and peace do you have right now? Are world events, awful as they are, getting the better of you? Are your eyes opening and focusing on a cruel world that worsens daily? Do you feel yourself slipping further into worry, becoming more and more disheartened?

If that’s you, you’re not alone. And if that’s you, I’ve got some good news.

Like Mary, your joy and peace start with faith. God loves you and longs to take care of you. He wants to be your refuge and your rock. He can do and be all of that for you in a world that will only hurt you. You just have to put your faith in Him. Isn’t that a small price, a small risk, for inexpressible joy and otherworldly peace?

I pray that as Christmas approaches, you will all find the joy and peace you need. I pray that you’re filled with such gifts and blessings that only God can provide. Because that is why Jesus came, the precious baby that He was. That’s why He lived, accepting His calling and the persecution that came along with it. That’s also why He died a brutal, criminal’s death that was most undeserved. He came for love, joy, and peace, and He came to give it all to you.

By Carrie Prevette

Distracted and Overwhelmed

The old saying goes, “Idle hands are the devil’s playground,” but the same could be said for busy hands as well. The adage refers to the trouble one can get into with no plans, hobbies, commitments, etc. What of an excessively occupied mind, full hands, or a clock without enough time? Aren’t those spiritually risky as well?

Busy lives are spiritually risky, not because being busy is a sin or even frowned upon, but because being busy often distracts us or overwhelms us to the point that God becomes an afterthought.

Just about anything can become a distraction – work, money, hobbies, family, church. If it’s capable of consuming the largest part of your heart or time, it can be a distraction from God and your relationship with Him.

“I’d like to go to Bible study tonight, but I need to get in overtime at work before the holidays get here.”

“I know God wants me to start this devotional, but I’m wiped out and my favorite show’s coming on in ten minutes.”

“I skipped my quiet time with God this morning to sleep in, but now something’s come up. I’ll just do it tomorrow.”

It’s not that we ignore God for people or reasons that are intrinsically bad. Most of the time, it’s for things that should be high priorities. It’s our habit of putting things as a higher priority than God that ruins us.

There’s nothing wrong with volunteering at church or spending time with family and friends or furthering your career. There is something wrong with burning ourselves out on something to the point where there’s not much, if anything, left to give to God.

The receiver of our first fruits is the receiver of our worship.

All of our running runs us ragged.

Personally, if I’m given the choice to sit and relax while snacking and watching a show or movie or to read and think and really study, I’m far more inclined to choose the former over the latter.

Our everyday lives can overwhelm us so much that we don’t want to do much in our downtime.

Let me rephrase to better iterate my point: We’re so busy that, most of the time, we want to spend our free time doing things that require minimal mental and physical activity. We sometimes choose not to do what we really want or need to do because we’re too exhausted.

Where’s the joy in that?

Jesus tells us that we’ll have joy in Him. It’s a fruit of the Spirit. No, we may not always be happy, but we’ll have a deep, profound sense of joy. And if we’re not turning to Jesus to fuel and refill us, if He’s not our source of joy, it’ll be a more generic, fleeting form of joy that we do receive.

I’m reading a book called Playing with Purpose by Mike Yorkey. The book tells the stories of some professional athletes who use their talents and positions in life to glorify God. One such athlete is Jeremy Lin, the center of “Linsanity” in early 2012 and current point guard for the Charlotte Hornets.

Lin signed with the Golden State Warriors his rookie year after going undrafted and after the Warriors were bought by two men, one of whom had coached against Lin when Lin was a kid and knew his talent and work ethic. Later that season, the Warriors sent Lin to their Development League team in Reno. Lin’s first season in the NBA involved being moved around, few playing minutes, and a losing record.

Lin says of this time in his life, “People don’t believe me when I say my rookie season was the toughest year of my life, but it was. I had a lot of long nights and struggles. I had to really learn how to submit my will to God and learn to trust Him while going through difficult situations that I thought were maybe unfair at times or things that I had wished would have gone in a different way. What I learned was to lean on God in those situations, and to make my relationship more intimate by spending more time with Him every day. I did a lot of reading and I did a lot of praying. More praying than I had ever done. I just learned a ton.”

Lin could’ve been bitter and upset at how everything was turning out, and he was so busy that it would’ve been very easy to neglect his relationship with God. He chose to trust in God and carve out time for Him instead. He made sure that God was first in his life and prioritized spending quality time with Him.

I’m not telling you to neglect parts of your life altogether or to sacrifice healthy aspects of your life. I’m advising you to look at the parts of your life, what’s necessary and what’s not, and determine what’s most important.

Because in addition to joy, Jesus gives us just what our busy lives need: rest. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT), “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Doesn’t that sound nice? Doesn’t that sound exactly like what we need is this crazy, busy world? Jesus offers it freely and gladly. Rest for our souls. Relief from our burdens. Relaxation for our minds. All we have to do is turn to Him. He’ll replace our busy with joy. He’ll refresh us in a way that only He can. We just have to take the time to give it all to Him.

By Carrie Prevette

P.S. – My mom says that the saying is, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” but I’ve only ever heard “devil’s playground.” Despite the fact that the two offer different images and connotations, the meaning remains the same. Although I am kind of interested in hearing any other different versions of this phrase now, so if you’ve got a different one, feel free to share it with me!

Love to the Point of Complete Joy

I remember my first time at Abstract Church relatively well. It was in February or March, and I was home from college. I was a little nervous because the only person I knew there was my brother, and I don’t like clinging to someone in a new environment like that, but I knew that’s exactly what would happen.

I say I remember it “relatively” well because I don’t remember everything, like the exact date or even what the sermon was about that day. What I do recall the most (and the best) from my first time at Abstract, and what has kept me coming back ever since, is the freedom and love I felt the entire time I was there.

Now, I’m not here to slam or call out anyone, especially churches, but I do want to say that I’ve been to a few churches before – some that I visited and some that I attended – where I didn’t feel so welcome or loved. And I’ve been to some where I did feel loved, but none so much as Abstract.

The beautiful part of it is that I get those very same vibes whenever I walk into the church or any Abstract event. Getting to know the people who volunteer and the leaders in the church have only reinforced the sense of peace and freedom I feel at Abstract.

I’m not singing Abstract’s praises because I had nothing else to write about. I’m saying all of this because I’m extremely proud of what Abstract has accomplished, the goals we’ve set for this year, and the heart everyone involved has for God and His Kingdom.

Jesus said in John 15:9-17 (NRSV), “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

(I encourage you to read various translations of this scripture because while they all have the same bottom line, I think there is something special to be taken away from each of them. For example, I like the way the NRSV translates the bit about being friends and not servants the best out of the versions I read, but I like the way the NLT says the part about joy better. Maybe the more you explore the scripture, the more you’ll find in what God’s telling us here.)

I often say that I believe the key to Christianity (and life, for that matter) is really simple and we’re just making a mess of it. And I believe that key can be found in this scripture: obey and love Jesus/God and love everyone. (On a side note, I’d like to point out there are other places in scripture that echo this thought. I’ll refer you to John 13:34-35 and Matthew 22:34-40.)

If you look at everything from creation to what’s happening in your own life right now, love produces good. If you can’t really or completely see that, let me help you find it through scripture. God is love (1 John 4:16), and all that is good and perfect comes from God (James 1:17). Even if we can’t see what that good is, we know that only the best will come out of love and loving acts.

Love makes a difference because it’s so opposed to what we ordinarily encounter.

You don’t have to look long and hard to see that the world’s actually an incredibly messed up place that’s not only in desperate need of change, but also in severe need of love. I won’t provide any examples here as I’m sure you’ve already got plenty of your own in mind.

Jesus didn’t just sit around and throw out commandments every day, so it’s important that we make note of what He says in John 15. His commandment is to love others. While that may be difficult to do, it’s not that hard of a concept to understand.

His commandment was to love, and there are multiple reasons why He said it. First, it sets us apart. While a lot of translations call us “God’s own people,” or something similar in 1 Peter 2:9, I’m a big fan of how it’s phrased in the King James Version. It calls us “a peculiar people.” No one ever made a difference by being the exact same as everyone else. So in order for us to bring attention and glory to God, people first have to see that there’s something about us that stands out. Second, people don’t just see that there’s something different about us; they know it’s something they want and even need. It’s not something small, either. It’s life altering, and people recognize that. Third, at some point people realize that it’s not so much the vessel as what’s in it. It’s not about me doing it. It’s not about any particular person. It’s about someone, anyone, allowing God to work and be shown through that person. People will recognize that what’s so great about us actually has nothing to do with us; it has everything to do with God.

Jesus also tells us to go and bear lasting fruit. That’s another thing that’s difficult to find: something that lasts. But God and love leave lasting effects. I believe that love and acts of love impact those around us and ourselves as well. Love, when genuine and unwavering, tends to spread, and giving it is very habit-forming. It makes everyone involved feel better, and what’s not to be enjoyed about that? So it leaves a lasting effect on us, but it also leaves an impression on others.

Jesus tells us that He’s told us this so that we’ll have joy. And what isn’t there to be joyful about? The love of Christ is not only in us, but we’re also able to live in the love of Christ. Day in and day out, we have access to the greatest love this world ever has and ever will know.

“But Carrie, I can’t seem to find it so readily.”

I get that. I really do. It comes from living in this world. It can blind us sometimes. Or it can pile so much bad on top of the good that we miss it altogether. So I want to challenge you (as that’s exactly what it will be, a challenge) to look harder.

“Gee, thanks.”

No, I’m serious. Look harder. Actively search for it. When something terrible happens, think about what could’ve happened or what God could’ve saved you from. Or maybe the purpose of it was to open a door or someone’s eyes. You have to sort through the bad to see the good sometimes.

The human life is hit and miss. Sometimes we are on point with everything. Other times, we don’t get anything right. We can experience things and not question one bit why they’re happening because we get it. Then there are times when we couldn’t be more clueless.

I have yet to read a single Bible verse that says we’re supposed to understand it all. But I’ve read many that tell me to trust in God.

It’s so simple: Live in God’s love, and give love to everyone. That means sinner and saint alike. That includes the people you don’t like. That includes yourself. I can assure you that once you do, it’ll permanently impact your life and leave you with more joy than you’ve ever experienced.

By Carrie Prevette

Anywhere, Anytime, Anyway

I used to think that worship was something that was done exclusively in church. I thought it was just another part of Sunday morning – wake up, go to church, worship, listen to a sermon, go home.

Then as I got older, I started to understand what worship actually is. It’s more than just singing along to a song. It’s more than lifting up one or both hands. While we can do both of those in church and in moments of personal, private worship, that’s not it.

What makes it worship is the thought and emotion behind it. Just because words of praise are coming out of my mouth doesn’t mean I’m worshiping God. If I know a song well enough, I can sing every single word perfectly without even thinking about it. Seriously, I can just go on autopilot. My mind could be somewhere completely different and I’d never miss a note. But if I feel overwhelmed by God’s love and my desire is just to honor Him for a moment, that is worship.

Not only can we worship outside of church, but we should. When you think about it, if the only time we feel the need to love and honor God is once or twice a week, something’s off anyway.

When I think about God, it’s not hard for me to be blown away by Him. He’s done so much for me, He’s stuck by me, and He’s head over heels in love with me. To be honest, if anyone has tried and tested God’s love, it’s me. My flimsy faith, my wavering devotion, my questioning, my spiritual mood swings would’ve frustrated any other being to the point of them ditching me. But not God.

You see, I have a desire to worship God when I focus on God.

And what happens when I don’t?

I know we talked about this a lot during the Idols series, but I’m going to touch on it again as it is relevant here and worthy of repeating. The thing about the human heart is that it always feels the need to cling to something. The object that receives most of our attention and affection is what we worship. It could be anything – a sports team, a singer, success, your spouse, your job. Many things make up our personalities and our lives, and that’s great. We should hold the aspects that make us happy close to us. But none of them should mean more to us than God.

Ultimately, nothing can make us happier than God. The love and grace of God goes deeper than something as circumstantial as mere happiness. It’s a source of joy. Joy, at its simplest, is substantial, long-lasting happiness. It isn’t moved by your situation or present state of mind. It’s a sense of peace and contentment that is rather difficult to take away.

Sounds like God’s kind of thing anyway, yeah?

Alan said Sunday, “Unconditional joy leads to unconditional worship.” If the joy we find in God is unconditional – meaning that He is our first and constant source of peace, love, and fulfillment through everything – then we will be able to worship Him no matter what.

If you still turn to God to get you through when you’re:

• battling depression,
• sitting at the bedside of a sick loved one,
• filing for bankruptcy,
• heading to the unemployment office,
• going through a divorce,
• repairing a relationship,
• feeling like your world’s falling apart,

then chances are that you have that unconditional joy and are capable of unconditional worship.

You’ll get down and out. You won’t always be happy with God or what’s going on in your life. Having joy doesn’t always mean that you feel like you’re floating in the clouds. It just means that you have something there to pick you up and hold you when you don’t want to go on anymore.

“Carrie, that’s great, but I don’t really know how to worship. Like, what do I do?”

That’s an important question.

I once read this book by the lead singer of Casting Crowns, Mark Hall. In it, he talked about this woman who would look at him with a mad face when he led worship on Sunday mornings at church. I mean, she would just mean mug him week after week. Then one day after service, after keeping that exact same look on her face during worship, she told him how she was really touched by the music that morning. It kind of shocked him. He never would’ve guessed it based off of her actions and reaction to the music.

Did she sing along? No.
Did she raise a hand? No.
Did she smile? No.
Did she worship? Yes.

It doesn’t matter what you do or don’t do. It certainly doesn’t matter how it looks. If you’re not a good dancer but you want to dance, move to your heart’s content. Feel more comfortable standing and clapping? Feel free to do so.

And to worship in your private life? Read the Word of God. Talk to God. Talk about God. Do everything to glorify God. That’s what it means to worship God with your life: realizing it’s all about God and acting on that realization.

Do you like to paint? Play sports? Play an instrument? Write? Whatever it is that you do, reflect God through it and point it all back to Him – the compliments, the awards, the smiles people have on their faces because of it. When you glorify or magnify God in any way, that’s a form of worship.

Your worship is as unique as you are and as personal as your relationship with God is. No one is directly involved in your worship but you and God. It doesn’t matter how or when you worship. All that truly matters is that you do worship and that God is the recipient of your worship.

By Carrie Prevette