I aim to have my posts read like conversations, but this one is essentially an excerpt from my journal. The note-like format is a little difficult to read, but at the time it was the only reasonable way I could process my sleepless thoughts.

I hope it blesses you anyway!

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Our spiritual authority is rooted in our daily integrity.

When our lives are obedient, respectful, honouring and loving, our praise is pleasing to Him.

Repeatedly in God’s Word, we’re taught that obedience is better than sacrifice; that the position of our hearts is of more value than the splendidness of our worship.

In Isaiah 58, God’s people were coming to Him with lavish gestures of praise and worship, but He took no delight in it; ” Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke…?” Isaiah 58:6

Their worship carried no authority because their lives lacked obedience, compassion and integrity. However, He goes on to say that if they turn their hearts and lives back to obeying Him that their light shall break forth like the morning; their healing shall spring forth speedily; the glory of the Lord will be their rear guard; that darkness shall be as the day; that He would guide and satisfy them; that they would be like a spring of water whose water would not fail. That’s where their authority was. In simple, pure hearted obedience. That’s power!

James declares that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). He’s saying that when our lives line up with the heart of God that our prayer, prophecy and worship is threatening and damaging to the enemy. That it’s in faithfulness and integrity that we stand in victory and authority.

Samuel’s reprimand to Saul reminds us that our worship has to be an overflow of obedience, or, as exampled in Cain’s story, our worship will even be rejected.

Let’s be people whose whole lives are ceaseless praise to the One who is worthy. Let’s be people who obey with simplicity; who listen to His voice. It’s not about making ourselves clean or acceptable by our good works; our righteousness is as filthy rags. It’s about His righteousness and glory. It’s about Him being so worthy. Not only of our sacrifice, praise and worship, but of our whole lives. Every moment being unravelled into holy, glorious praise to the King. Even the ones we mess up He can use for His praise and glory.

Let’s check that the posture of our hearts is praise and wonder. And I’m convinced that as we continually think on and experience His holiness every area of our lives will begin to declare His goodness. Let’s let His holiness determine how we communicate, how we think, how we work… I’m pretty sure it’s then that we’ll see Heaven.

1 Samuel 15 . Isaiah 58 . Genesis 4 . James 5 .