Hello Queens Herald Church!

On Sunday, we talked about taking “one thing” to the next level in 2023.  You can approach this like a “goal” or even your “word” for this week.  Whatever it may be, my suggestion to our community is “worship.”  Typically, we see worship as some religious or spiritual act done (limited/ relegated to) a few “special spiritual holidays” during the year, or Sundays, small groups, or devotional times.  Worship does include those (imagine what would happen if we taught those we lead, small group members, children, etc. to worship every day rather than simply going to church!).  However, worship is more than that—much more.  In fact, because worship is based upon and driven/inspired by the intimacy of our relationship with God, everything we do in life can be an act of worship.  It’s important, however, to remember certain things about worship:

1. Because it’s at the core relational, worship involves our devotion to God, but also His devotion to us. In other words, He respond to us [perfectly] in our worship of Him.
2. There is an outward expression of worship, but also an inward (Mary’s “treasuring” and “pondering”), reflective, and contemplative one as well. Remember, we have a whole lot more time to engage in the inward than the outward.
3. In order to engage in worship at these levels, we have to ask two questions:
   • Is He worthy (of our surrender/of our trust)?
   • Am I worthy? When we don’t feel like we’re enough, whatever we think or do is filtered through the need to “prove our worth.”
4. Worship (as all of us) is actually living life as the best of us.

As we continue to contemplate “worship,” we would like to encourage/challenge you to ask God for revelation about ONE THING that He is inviting you to take to the next level this year.  Write it in the comments and bring it to church this coming Sunday.  By the way, if you need help with this, some perspective or direction, leave a comment for that as well.

Blessings,

QHC EM Team