Good Morning,

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."  John 4:24  Our spirit is the inner most part of our being, therefore, worship can't be superficial, not can it be based upon lies.  It is done in the inner most part of man, it is based upon truth, and it directed by the Holy Spirit who dwells in the believer.  Make sure your worship fits the test of John 4:24.

Psalm 100:2, "Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing."

This short psalm speaks directly about our attitude, and the manner in which we conduct ourselves.  Without a doubt there should be an inherent joy and happiness that resides in the soul of every one who is redeemed.  Serving the LORD is not the same as going to work​ (we can serve the Lord through our work)​,  serving the LORD is a special privilege because it is work being done in honor of the LORD.

Will Rice said concerning this verse, "Is there a difference between work and serve? Sure! They are both basically the same, but work is another word for labor. You can work for food, for friends, or for funds, but work is just...work! Serving is a specific kind of work: work that indicates a direction. You can work without regard for others, but you cannot serve that way. Serving is labor for somebody else. It will make all the difference in the world today if you are serving instead of just working!"

Are you serving the Lord? Many are serving with a misplaced purpose, they are serving a cause or a church.  Serving the Lord in our church is what God desires, and is what is being spoken of in this verse.   This entire psalm centers around our heart and attitude toward the Lord.  Ephesians 6:6 says we are to obey our master (employer) "...not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."  Serving the Lord means we are "doing the will of God from the heart."

Many people go through the motions in their service for the Lord.  Take time today to determine in your heart you are going to serve the LORD with gladness!  It is important to know who you are serving (the LORD), and the attitude with which you perform your service (with gladness). 

Begin to make a difference today and "serve the LORD with gladness."

​Your Friend and His,

​-- 

Pastor Mike Abbott