JeffHarpole.com

I’m writing in hopes of building a heart of worship. I’m working on my own heart. I’ve peered over the edge of time and found my days moving too fast to waste. Whether we see it or not, truth is, we all have a small window to live this life.

The Bible’s oldest book is Job. However, his life’s work and accomplishments are not listed there. The pages are filled with unimaginable trials and afflictions. Perhaps the greatest moment in the book is Job’s words of praise and worship. In spite of his turmoil, Job refused to curse God. Rather, he blessed the Lord. I wonder what we would do if it had been us? What if praise was inconvenient? Would we still offer God the same? Would we lose our heart of worship if the conditions of life were set against us?

When Malachi called Israel back to sincerity and sacrifice, the people responded, “What a weariness this is…” (Malachi 1:13). They considered worship as a constricting obligation. Pleasing the Lord had vanished from their minds. Their hearts were far from worship. Purity had been replaced with pleasure. Obedience had been exchanged for subjectivism. Convenience looked so much more inviting than sacrifice. They did not realize that a heart of worship can only be develop through purity, obedience, and sacrifice. God’s response to Israel was four centuries of silence.

The American Pentecostal church is showing signs of the same. Conferences now boast of profound orators and relevant worship bands. Buildings need to be warm and inviting. Even the service time is measured because of the waning attention spans and schedules of the attendees. I’m praying that we would shed these fleshly requirements and dive deep into worship and praise.

Both individually and corporately, Jesus is the Center of all those who have a heart of Worship. Situations and circumstances; even turmoil will not halt a person whose heart is focused on worship. Whether in trial or triumph, the Lord is worthy of our praise. If He is not the center; if He is a secondary and if His house is an option, then we will struggle to worship Him. This is the demand of our lives. We must seek Him and create an atmosphere where He can dwell. It begins with a heart of worship.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole