“God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
Today’s Christian daily devotional
As I dig around my grandfather’s dusty crawlspace, I uncover a priceless treasure. Inside a musty wooden chest filled with mothballs and lined with blankets, I uncover my childhood albums.
The memories I had long placed behind were now staring back at me through the cellophane pages. I am instantly transported back into my past life.
Flipping through the years, a picture of me in second grade causes me to stop. I am wearing my favorite strawberry dress. My face dons a plastered smile as my plastic barrette clings sloppily at the end of my hair.
I remember that day. It was unusually hot in my small school; we had just finished playing outside. The last thing I wanted to do was take a picture. What I wanted was my peanut butter and jelly sandwich and my favorite blanky for naptime.
“Alright kids, I know you are tired and hungry. But, we must take these pictures before the photographer leaves. Remember you will have these photos forever.” Our exhausted teacher tried to encourage us by handing out barbershop combs and little cups of water. By the looks of my photo, it was quite obvious that I passed my comb up.
Forever? It felt like waiting to take our pictures took FOREVER. My concept of the far future was pretty narrow. I was only capable of focusing on what was going on in that moment. My little five-year self only cared about the concept of NOW.
When I read John 4:24, it brings this photo to my remembrance. Although technically I am smiling, my hearts expression is not sincere. The truth behind the smile is quite obvious.
Many people show up to worship God in church. Their bodies are present, their mouths are in motion but their hearts are far off somewhere else.
When you are taking the time to worship God, remember to forget yourself. Forget how you feel in that moment. Look to the Lord and enjoy it with Him. Celebrate His goodness, because when you worship Him with a heart that is completely present you are building memories that you will have with Him forever.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
What an honor it is to be a child of yours. I regret that I have taken this for granted. I know this because I see that I must pray for a heart that is focused on only you during worship.
I am ashamed that I continually have to get myself off my mind and ask for your help in keeping you first in my life. My gifts to you will come in the forms of obedience to you, service to others and in my sincere worship of you.
I give my heart to you today. Create a worshiper’s heart that does not just give lip service but is completely yours in every way. In Jesus’ precious name, bless my heart to beat for you and you alone. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses:John 4:24
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan Today’s daily devotional
* I would like to thank Jukka for inspiring this piece with his genuine heart to worship God. God bless you, Jukka!