When we are kids, we sometimes think our coaches in sports are against us because they make us do things we don't want to do, but as we get older, we realize that everything they do is for our benefit. It's the same way with church! If we are bored, we often think it's the pastor, but it's not - it's our own fault. We tend to think church is about us - that we should be entertained, that God owes us something, when the reality is that He owes us nothing but gave us everything! When it comes to worship, getting down on our faces shouldn't be a difficult thing if we think about it. In countries where people have nothing, they know they need God, but here, in our wealth, we can easily think we don't when He is the thing we need the most. If we don't listen and realize this is meant to take us to the next level in our faith, we will become bored and fall into the wrong mindset. So many people go to church with an attitude of clock checking God - they better sing only 2 songs, or the message better not be longer than 30 minutes - when really, what do we have to do? We don't have to be here - we don't get a checkmark for just coming to church. If we don't want to come, don't come!

Our worship is a response to God and what He has done for us. If we don't feel like worshipping, we should investigate our hearts to find out what is wrong and ask Him to show us. It is very easy to worship God the way He deserves when we get our arrogant, prideful hearts out of the way. When we realize that everything God is instructing us to do is for our benefit, we can live a life that is not just about us. Worship is more than just songs - it is a lifestyle! We can't be fully free until we give God our full worship. Remember - we are all worshipping something and what we worship, we will become. When we worship Him, we are restoring what He intended for our relationship with Him. Ask yourself: Does God have my worship? Would someone know, by looking at how I spend my money, that I worship God? How about how I use my time? If you have kids, keep in mind that they watch you, so they are watching you for how you value going to church.

Our feelings may not always align with what we need to do, so we need to get our feelings in alignment. We can't serve a God we don't trust. Try reframing your mindset and your language - "get to" instead of "have to". To grow in trust with God, do these five things: 1) Give Him your affection. 2) Remain committed. 3) Include Him in your life. Our lives should look the same way Monday-Saturday as they do on Sunday. 4) Be obedient. Act quickly when He tells you to do something so you don't have time to talk yourself out of it! 5) Show reverence. Our level of intimacy with God is dependent on us, but He will help us do it. Look to Paul and Silas as your example in Acts 16:23-28. They were in jail and had been severely beaten, but they praised God anyway when they likely didn't feel like doing so. They remained committed, faithful, and reverent and many were saved. Let's try to be like Paul and Silas!

Amen!