WORSHIP

Will you allow me a bit—just a tiny bit—of self-indulgence? 

I love to sing. Always have. Always will. I'll probably be eternally singing. And that's no joke. But read on.

In high school, circa nineteen kopong-kopong (a long long time ago), I dreamt of being a Broadway star. The next Julie Andrews or Barbra Streisand. When I started working—my first and second jobs being a copywriter in two TV networks—a popular TV director spotted and auditioned me for a TV musical show. "The next Nora Aunor," he proudly proclaimed to his crew. 

Yet I chickened out. The thought of being in showbiz seemed demeaning. Proud, yes, I admit. So my Broadway dream went pfft.

But God is a God of second chances. He did not allow this gift to go to waste. One Friday evening 34 years ago, in a concert where my dear friend Cyd invited me, a gospel song so touched my heart that for the first time in my life, I knew, really knew, "God loves me!"  

That born again experience turned my life around. Proud and self-centered me experienced a peace which passed all understanding. I noticed that fearful-worrier-complainer me was turning more joyful, calm and more tolerant of others, and uh... humble?! Hey, I'm a work in progress. 

And He gave me new songs to sing! 

I found myself later on leading worship in a Christian church. And that's what I've been doing for a long time until recently.  

Singing worship songs brings one into His very presence—where there's fullness of joy, strength, healing, anointing, peace. Imagine yourself sitting at the footstool of King Jesus, Creator of the heavens and the earth. 

Broadway and the adulation of audiences don't even compare! Because your audience is almighty God! 

I've fought and lost, but mostly won, many of life's battles, by His amazing grace and the praise and worship songs which carried me through tough and terrible times, even through my current bout with the small "c".

So I refuse to be nonchalant as far as worshipping the Lord is concerned. Because I know that when He calls me home, I will be in the most holy place, worshipping my Savior. 

This is the beauty of worship: He's after your heart, not your voice. You may be disintonado (off-key), mispronounce or even forget the words. Worship Him in Spirit and in truth. That's all He cares about. And He'll let you in.

How to worship Him in Spirit and in truth? Put your faith in Jesus. Repent of your sins. Acknowledge Him as your Savior and Lord.

Prayer: Jesus, I commit my life to you. Forgive my transgressions. Come into my heart. Be my Savior and Lord. Lead me. Guide me. Be my Rock of refuge. In Jesus' name..