Worship, Honor, & Glorify God His Way

The storm has cleared. The battle is won and I praise Him! But to be honest, I never knew exactly how to praise God sufficiently. I always thought singing was enough. However, Nehemiah 9 explains God's acceptable worship. He loves us individually, and its common how I never considered that. There are characteristics of God that favor me, that might not favor others; and we are all given gifts from our Heavenly Father that attract specific obstacles and people that we must overcome and introduce to Him, in Jesus name. I laugh when I think, "He does all this for us, what makes me think He would accept just a song in praise?"

I noticed in Nehemiah 9:2, the people of God separated themselves from strangers, and confessed their sins & iniquities.

News Flash: Did you know there's a difference between your sins and iniquities? The definition of sin is, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1John 3:4. However, iniquity is defined by your behavior. Psalm 7:14 say, "Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood". I was blown away when this was exposed to me in the midst of studying. But it all makes sense.

I experience a vulnerable peace of mind when I confess my sins and iniquities to God through Jesus Christ. I know I can not hide anything from our Heavenly Father, but when I confess all my sins and iniquities, I feel renewed and a sense of relief because,

1) 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

2) Revelation 21:5 "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

3) Ezekiel 18:21 "But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die."

Building a relationship with our Heavenly Father through taking time reading His Word to get to know His characteristics, repenting your sins, having faith in His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, will create a routine that will reflect the features of God, in Jesus name, through your actions, and mind set. You will receive a new outlook in this life, understand the peace, and liberty that comes with being a Christian.

In Nehemiah 9:5, "Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the Lord your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise." The people of God worshiped God by blessing His name. Worshiping God for who He is alone, is the beginning. He is God, that alone is we as humans can not understand. We are but small beings in a serious significant creation; literally living sacrifices, examples of lives in liberty to love God, or love sin. Thanking our Heavenly Father for being Him, the one and only true and just God of all creation, and chosen beings, as described in Nehemiah 9:6-8, is essential. I honestly see it as reminder to myself of the many ways He has shown me He loves me. What He did for people who worshiped Him against all odds is valorous.

In Nehemiah 9:9-15, God is praised for the wonders and honors He has done for His people. Bringing them out of bondage, blessing them with land, food & drink, and sustaining them through wilderness conditions. Once they were seen by others, there were no noticeable wary features. The people of God praised and worshiped Him for his protection, provision, and covenant.

My favorite part is Nehemiah 9:16-37. The people of God acknowledge their and their fathers' sins and iniquities. They thank God for his love and mercy upon their generations of disobedience. I can relate to that. My family and I are disobedient, even when God give us clear instructions on how to be successful in this life. For some strange reason we were/are determined to do things our way. Not anymore!

In Nehemiah 9:38, the people make a covenant with God, "And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it".

And this, my family in Christ, is how you worship, honor, and glorify God acceptable to Him. Can you commit to love Him the way He wants to be love?