Proof of a Worshipper

I learned a long time ago, when I set out on this journey learning to worship the Lord with everything in me, that you cannot worship with only a part of you. It is impossible. Rather, worship must be wholehearted, radical, extravagant, with everything in you - matching the glory of the One you worship.

We sometimes have the idea that worship is contingent on whether or not all the conditions I need to worship God are met. But the Lord asks us, "Will you worship Me (or lead others to worship Me) when. . . "

1. When other worship leaders seem to sideline or reject you, intimidate you, your age, your style, or your calling? --even if they try to keep you from your destiny, will you still worship Me?
2. When the congregation refuses to worship because the style seems strange to them (King David taught Israel a new style of worship), or when the Pastor and leaders seem to snub you? Will you be offended and then have it affect your ability to worship Me from a pure heart to bring people into God's presence? Will you still worship Me?
3. When nothing in the venue is right, it is nothing like you expected, or, you don't expect a reward, honor, or remuneration? Will you still worship Me?
4. When there is no audience, except Me?
5. When all the conditions are wrong (i.e., song display, audio not working, no microphones or monitors, etc.), will you still worship Me?
6. When you have no ministry engagements lined up, no congregation in which to worship, no ministry to speak of. . .will you minister to Me when you are all alone, with great delight, just to bring pleasure to Me?
7. When you are distraught with life (family, health, financial, marriage, etc.)? Will you still worship Me?
8. When you are a failure (or feel like one)? --a spiritual failure? --or feel like a "has-been". . .Will you still worship me?
9. When your emotions are screaming "You are not accepted here!"? --or you are overcome with personal shame? --or, you feel "God wants others near, but not me!" Will you still worship Me?
10. When your body is wracked with pain and disease, and there seems to be no hope of recovery? Will praise arise to worship Me?

Determine that nothing - and no one - will keep you from giving worthy worship unto the Lord. I tell my soul often, I will worship You Jesus with everything within me, at all times, in all seasons. I have come to prefer my audience of One.

May you be inspired as you listen to this song (and worship God) from Hillsongs United in Australia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSCE8uLuTJY