a personal worship challenge

I need to commit myself to memorising scripture.
If I do this, His word will be engraved on my heart, forever. Application won't be so difficult. The Spirit may show me the way, but I must do the walking onto the paths drawn out for me. If the Bible is the authoritative word of God, the Creator's revelation to His people, then I need to consume it completely. It is not enough to run through His sacred word, as if it were matched to any other book, but to eat it as if it were sustenance. Today I memorised 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5. It has protected me. His hand upholds me. I love it when scripture comes alive.


I need to be honest in all my relationships.
He knows when we sit and when we rise. He perceives our thoughts from afar. Before a word is on our tongue, He knows it completely (Psalm 139). Thus, you might as well be straight up with God. I know you might lose something if you are honest. But Paul says it is better to suffer for doing good than what is evil, and never tire for doing what is right. If you are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation -- He hung on a cross for you..


I need to cut out things that will grieve the Spirit.
For me, it's Sex and the City, ALL romantic comedies, most novels, Top 40 music videos, and some of my most significant musical influences. Do you understand how difficult this was for me at first? I know one guy who, when he became serious about his relationship with God, threw out his entire heavy metal CD collection. It wasn't inexpensive either. I eliminate these things because they prompt me to stumble. Praise Jesus Christ, that I am surrounded by strong sisters in Christ who are neither into SATC or romantic comedies!
Following on, I replace music I once loved in the world with:


(I need to surround myself with) music that will set my mind on things above.
The Christian music scene is growing. I am listening to a lot of Jon Foreman, Chris Tomlin, Brooke Fraser, Moravia, Hillsong United, old hymns, and plenty of other local Christian music. It furthers this very important ministry. To put it in perspective, who doesn't listen to music? Might as well surround yourself with positive spiritual influences, that infiltrate your Spirit with the beautiful symphony of scripture and words inspired from it, and God himself.


I need to be selfish about having time for God and me.
Look around you. Is any of this real? "For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."(2 Cor 4:18) I don't know about you, but the world is a tiring, dying place. Time with God refreshes. It is the only thing in life that is eternal and real.
Our mission on earth is not just to make disciples but to be transformed in the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. How much do you want this relationship? The more we talk to God the more He will teach us things, especially on how to listen to his voice. Yes, I do feel things when I pray. Sometimes I am shaken up after wrestling with Him about something. Other times my voice gets tired from singing endless praises, but I will never tire of praising my God! Most of all I enjoy being with my Father. He loves me and cares about how I am.