Day 1: Pursuing Worship
REMINDERS
Thank you for joining FFA in our 5-day prayer & fasting. Just a reminder, while we encourage you to fast, it is not required. Participation in fasting is completely voluntary.
If it's your first time fasting, we encourage you to learn more about it. You can find more information here: https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/biblical-fasting.html
Join us this Friday, 7pm @the Place! We will close our 5-day prayer & fasting in an extended time of worship, praise, prayer & intercession.
Exo 7:14-16 [Good News Bible]
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "The king is very stubborn and refuses to let the people go. 15 So go and meet him in the morning when he goes down to the Nile. Take with you the walking stick that was turned into a snake, and wait for him on the riverbank. 16 Then say to the king, 'The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to tell you to let his people go, so that they can worship him in the desert. But until now you have not listened.
1Pe 2:9 [Good News Bible]
But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light.
God has called His people to worship Him, and this call goes beyond just an action; it’s also about freedom. In Exodus, God sends Moses to confront Pharaoh, whose stubbornness keeps the Israelites in bondage. God’s message to Pharaoh is clear: Let the people go so they can worship Him in freedom. Worship isn’t just a ritual; it’s tied to liberation. To truly worship, God's people need freedom from the forces that hold them back, just as the Israelites needed freedom from Egypt to enter the Promised Land.
Worship is more than just singing or praying—it's about our entire lives being devoted to God. In 1 Peter 2:9, it is declared that we are a chosen people, set apart for God's purposes. We are meant to proclaim His greatness and live in His light. The Israelites were called to worship God, but before they could do that, they had to be set free. The same is true for us; we can only truly worship when we are free from whatever holds us captive.
Pharaoh’s resistance to God serves as a reminder of the obstacles we might face in our own lives. What is stopping us from fully worshiping God? What are the stubborn attitudes, fears, or habits that prevent us from experiencing true freedom in worship? Like Pharaoh, we can be resistant to God’s call. But unlike him, we have the opportunity to break free and live fully in God’s purpose.
In our pursuit of worship, we must recognize that there is an enemy, just like Pharaoh and his army, who desires to keep us in bondage. The enemy wants to prevent us from worshiping God with all our hearts, minds, and souls. He uses lies, distractions, and fears to keep us from fully surrendering to God. But we have the power to resist him and claim the freedom that God offers through Jesus Christ. Just like Pharaoh, we have a defeated enemy because of what Jesus did for us! Through Him, we are set free and no longer bound by fear or defeat. Jesus has already won the victory!
You are part of God’s people, chosen to worship Him. But to do so fully, you must ask yourself: What is holding me back? Are there any bondages or strongholds in my life? Ask God for liberation in the name of Jesus. When we seek God’s help, we can break free from whatever chains that bind us, so that we can worship Him freely and fully.
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION
1. What are the "bondages" or obstacles in my life that might be hindering me from fully experiencing the freedom God offers in worship? Is there anything that you need to let go that you may freely and fully worship God?
2. How can I live my life in a way that reflects God's plan for me and honor Him not just in church, but in all my actions every day?
3. What is your response to God today? Take a moment to pray or write down your thoughts to express your heart to Him
