Such a Heart

Last time, I finished with a quote from Luther's Preface to Romans. Here's some more:

In chapter 7, St. Paul says, "The law is spiritual." What does that mean? If the law were physical, then it could be satisfied by works, but since it is spiritual, no one can satisfy it unless everything he does springs from the depths of the heart. But no one can give such a heart except the Spirit of God, who makes the person be like the law, so that he actually conceives a heartfelt longing for the law and henceforward does everything, not through fear or coercion, but from a free heart. Such a law is spiritual since it can only be loved and fulfilled by such a heart and such a spirit...

This is one of the most enlightening parts of Luther's Preface. "Spiritual" means, at least in Romans, "whole-hearted", from the "depths of the heart" or in modern terms "our motives". Luther says we can only get such a heart from the Holy Spirit, who can actually change our motives and give us a "free heart".

In John 4:23, Jesus says "...the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him."

God wants us to worship Him from the depth of our hearts, whole-heartedly and freely.

Mrs White in the chapter "The Observance of the Sabbath" in 6 Testimonies says:

We do not obtain a hundredth part of the blessing we should obtain from assembling together to worship God. Our perceptive faculties need sharpening. Fellowship with one another should make us glad. With such a hope as we have, why are not our hearts all aglow with the love of God?

We must carry to every religious gathering a quickened spiritual consciousness that God and His angels are there, co-operating with all true worshipers. As you enter the place of worship, ask the Lord to remove all evil from your heart. Bring to His house only that which He can bless. Kneel before God in His temple, and consecrate to Him His own, which He has purchased with the blood of Christ. Pray for the speaker or the leader of the meeting. Pray that great blessing may come through the one who is to hold forth the word of life. Strive earnestly to lay hold of a blessing for yourself. 6Testimonies 362, 363

How would you like a 99% increase in blessing (and inspiration) from the Sabbath service? Would you like a heart aglow with love of God? Would you enjoy being aware of God and His angels working and worshipping with you? Jesus said that God is looking for such people to worship Him.

To have this Inspiring Worship experience:

1. Ask God for new heart, new motives, so you can worship Him from the depths of your heart.
   
2. Ask God to sharpen your perceptions so you recognise His presence.
   
3. Pray earnestly for blessing
   

Then when you get to church:

1. Ask God to remove all evil from your heart (so your motives are purely to worship Him)
   
2. Give yourself totally to God
   
3. Pray earnestly for the speaker.
   
4. Watch God at work on others
   
5. Expect happy fellowship, renewed hope and a heart aglow with God's love,
   

That sounds like Inspiring Worship!