Birthday Mode
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being."- Revelation 4:11
The month of April has our family in full fledge "PARTY MODE" as three of our four kids have birthdays. In this Fiesta month there is no time for a Siesta as we are busy making plans, sending out invitations, and choosing gifts. This past weekend was birthday #1 for Luke and six of his middle school buddies. This event extravaganza included dinner at Red Robin, a movie, and a sleepover (at least I think they went to bed at some point). The entire party itinerary was chosen by our son based on how he wanted to celebrate his special day and the special friends he wanted to attend the birthday bash.
One of the things I am reminded of about birthday parties is that even though only one person is being honored and celebrated, everyone who attends the party goes away with a gift. You see, the birthday boy or girl may get the first slice of cake, but everyone enjoys the dessert. The birthday star may choose the activities, but all those invited get to participate in the fun. The person of honor receives the gifts, but many times their friends also get a goody bag for coming. The fact is that it may have only been Luke's birthday on April 17th, but everyone left with a gift!
This birthday reality speaks to a powerful truth about our celebrating and honoring God. In Psalm 50:23 the Lord declares, "Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor Me, and to the blameless I will show My salvation." As my heart meditated more on the birthday event and the birthday person being celebrated, I began to think about our own worship and faith walk with the Lord. The next day following Luke's birthday was another celebration. This time it was our Sunday morning services at The Shepherd's House. A special time to come together in worship, love, and faith as we honor our loving Creator God and our amazing Savior Jesus Christ. During the worship time I was struck by the thought that my being present with all the saints to worship God is all about our FOCUS being on God , our lives presented as an OFFERING to God, and our hearts giving HONOR to God. Many times we come to God in worship and prayer wanting Him to meet us, change our lives, and receive His answers. Please know, there is nothing wrong with any of those things, but what if none of those things take place in us immediately or completely? What if we don't feel anything at the moment or don't receive the answer we came looking for?
My heart has been stirred by the following thought every since that birthday sleepover last Saturday: If all that takes place when I enter into God's presence is HONORING Him, then that is good enough because He is worthy of it all! Psalm 96:9 invites us to, "Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness." I must remember that God alone is the one who is to be worshipped, He alone is worthy of all my praise, and He alone deserves my eyes to always stay focused on Him and my lips to always say "thank you" for all He has done for my life. Each day we can enter into the GOD PARTY by celebrating His love, by bringing Him the gift of ourselves, and by participating in all He has planned. When we make our worship all about God, we then get to enjoy all that He has in store for us. As we celebrate God each day we can experience the joy and fullness that comes in His presence. Today may not be your birthday, but it is definitely a day to receive the perfect gift!
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."- James 1:17