Pay To Praise

The story so far - David has sinned by putting trust in facts and figures over faith in God. (A bit like one of us choosing whether or not to go on a mission trip based solely on perusing our bank statements.) He has wasted time counting the number of men in his armies like a paranoid teenager playing RISK. He is given three options three months famine, three months fleeing from enemies, or three days plague. Quite an a la carte to choose from! Without phoning a friend, David goes for answer C, but is appalled at the outcome, as Jerusalem is left on the point of annihilation. However God is even more appalled and stops the angels of death at Araunah's house. He tells David to go and build an altar there to save his people.

Read 2 Sam 24:18-25.

I remember exactly where I was sitting when I first read verse 24. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." I felt immediately convicted. How many of my offerings of worship cost me very little at all? For most of us, if we're honest, there is not much sacrifice involved, as we actually quite like singing songs and getting that warm fuzzy feeling that comes when people get together and share a common belief and purpose.

So I challenge you today to let your time with God cost you something. Perhaps to your comfort, perhaps to your schedule, perhaps to your self-respect, or perhaps to your credibility. I often challenge those who are normally seated or standing motionless in worship to dance, or move, and those who are normally busting their cool moves to be still and silent. Where you are, do something that costs, whether that means lying prostrate before God, or singing within earshot of your neighbours!

Other ideas to get you thinking could include reading your Bible in public (not necessarily out loud!), leaving a whole evening free to simply worship, or visiting a church whose style of worship is very different to your own.

Reproduced with permission from God360 - experiential devotionals - the new book by Andy Flannagan, published by Spring Harvest/Authentic media - www.god360.co.uk