WORSHIP

WORSHIP
Did you know that WORSHIP is different than PRAISE? And it is a BIG difference, at that.
Often, in our services, both Praise and Worship are present, but Praise is usually the predominant part.
The Lord probably accepts Praise from any and all of us who know Him. We should continually be in an attitude of Praise and thankfulness for His goodness to us, unworthy as we are.
Worship, however, requires somewhat more a LIFESTYLE that is in line with the princliples of the Bible. The root word means to "kiss the hand toward". It involves a much closer RELATIONSHIP to Jesus. It involves a DEDICATION to God.
A friend of mine told me that the Lord had made him to know that a certain element of his lifestyle was offensive to Him, and as long as my friend allowed it to exist, there could be no close relationship between them. Needless to say, my friend CHANGED his LIFESTYLE, and now has a closer walk with the Lord.
Should we, periodically, examine our activities in the light of the Word of God, to assure that we are not OFFENDING God by our LIFESTYLE? If we are, we need to change to a life that is consistent with the Word of God.
Luke 16:15 -- Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.