The Priority Of Worship

Sermon on Psalm 66, Eric A. Snyder,

Fairland Christian Church,

Revised for Farwell Church of Christ

August 19, 2001

D. L. Moody told a story of a man who was asked by his ten-year- old son, "Daddy, why don’t you ever go to church with us? The father replied, "I don’t need to go to church, My faith is established Later that same day to the man drove his horses out of the barn and hitched them to the buggy. As he and his son drove out of the yard, the horses became mired in a mud hole. The man tried in vain to extricate them, whereupon the boy observed "They’re not going anywhere, Daddy. I believe they’re established:’

A woman entered a Hagen-Dazs store on the Kansas City Plaza for an ice-cream cone. broader After making her selection, she turned and found herself face to face with Paul Newman, in town filming the movie Mr. & Mrs. Bridge. He smiled and said hello. Newman’s blue eyes caused her knees to shake. She managed to pay for her cone, then left the shop, heart pounding. When she gained her composure, she realized she didn’t have her snack. She started back into the store to get it and met Newman at the door. "Are you looking for your ice cream?" he asked. She nodded, unable to speak. "You put it in your purse with your change." When was the last time the presence of God quickened our pulse

Where are you this morning? What I mean is ...

Have you come in this morning prepared to meet the almighty.

Have you been expecting and awaiting this moment. Are you spiritually and mentally ready to come into the presence of God?

OT Priests Had to be ceremonially clean perform rituals Before they could go into the presence of God. Because it was a big deal. This morning you don’t need to dip you finger into the blood of a goat. But coming into a place of praise is still a big deal. And you still need to prepare for it

Do you eagerly desire coming to church on Sunday morning. Can you not wait to fellowship with Him. Or do you dread getting out of bed, and getting the kids ready. Do you come prepared to worship.

Have you ever asked yourself these questions about worship

1 .Does It really matter if I come?

2. Why do I come anyway?

3 .Is this really worth It?

4. What is my real reason for going?

5. Why do I not have a Passion for God?

6. Why do I have problems with worship?

Psalm 66 66:1 For the director of music. A song. A psalm. Shout with joy to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! 3 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." Selah 5 Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf! 6 He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot-- come, let us rejoice in him. 7 He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations-- let not the rebellious rise up against him. Selah 8 Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; 9 he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. 10 For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. 11 You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. 12 You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. 13 I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you-- 14 vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. 15 I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah 16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. 17 I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. 18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; 19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. 20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Read Psalm 66

PRAYER

In worship,

Nature Praises God 1-7

We abuse the earth, 2 mistakes

1. We think the earth is for our enjoyment.

2. We are the Rulers of the earth.