September 19th, 2024
by Tim Ahlman
by Tim Ahlman
Our Deepest Desires
Deep within us, a fire burns. We crave something beyond ourselves, something bigger and more fulfilling. We are creatures of desire, and these desires will ultimately lead us to worship either the Creator or the creation.
The Turn Toward Idols
The fall, our active rebellion against God, fractured our relationship with Him and turned our worship towards created things. But nothing created lasts. Money, power, relationships, achievements – all fade and leave us wanting more. We chase the fleeting dopamine hit, never truly satisfied.
Hope in Christ
But there is hope. In His unwavering love, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus knew our desires intimately, yet perfectly aligned them with the Father’s will. He desired nothing but the Father and His will. Why? For you. For me. For the world. For all the times our worldly desires make us undesirable, He desires us. He died and rose for us, for the disordered desires of the world.
Practical Steps to Align Your Worship
Here are three practical steps to realign your desires towards your Creator:
- Daily Repentance and Realignment: Ask the Holy Spirit to purify your desires, turning them solely towards Him. Confess to God and a trusted friend. Embrace the absolution offered by pastors, and freely offer it to others in Christ’s name.
- Find Your Identity and Belonging in Christ: Immerse yourself in spiritual practices – meditation on God’s Word, prayer, and thanksgiving. He hears and responds to your needs. Meet Him in the mornings, inviting Him to be with you throughout the day.
- Make Worshiping God Your Priority: Live intentionally for His glory. Sunday worship catalyzes a life of worship. It reminds us of our baptismal identity, our need for confession and absolution, and the power of hearing God’s Word, praying, and receiving Jesus’ body and blood for forgiveness.
An Invitation to Worship
If you’ve strayed from regular worship, we invite you back with open arms. Your absence is felt. Jesus longs for you to hear His voice alongside other believers, to be encouraged and empowered to live for His glory.
Remember, you are a desiring human being, created by God and loved by Him. He desires you, and by faith, He claims you forever. Worship Him alone.
Remember, you are a desiring human being, created by God and loved by Him. He desires you, and by faith, He claims you forever. Worship Him alone.
Posted in Faith and Christian Living, Faith and Spiritual Practices, Faith and Worship, Worship and Music
Posted in Created to Worship, Aligning Desires with God, Idolatry and Redemption, Worshipping the Creator, Jesus’ Sacrifice, Faith and Identity, Identity in Christ, Repentance and Grace, John 3:16-17, Living for God\\\'s Glory
Posted in Created to Worship, Aligning Desires with God, Idolatry and Redemption, Worshipping the Creator, Jesus’ Sacrifice, Faith and Identity, Identity in Christ, Repentance and Grace, John 3:16-17, Living for God\\\'s Glory
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