My Grace-Full Life

MY WORSHIP-FULL LIFE

BY DENISE HEIDEL

Last January, I began a variation of “My Grace-Full Life,” focusing on different ways to be “full.” This year, we’ve covered “Peace-Full,” “Mercy-Full,” “Joy-Full,” “Faith-Full,” “Hope-Full,” “Truth-Full,” “Fruit-Full,” “Mind-Full,” “Prayer-Full,” and “Thank-Full.” This is the final one-- “My Worship-Full Life.”

“Worship” was my 2022 Word of the Year. And true to form, as is always the case when I get to the end of a word study--the major takeaway is that I still have so much to learn. Still--this has been one of my favorite word studies to date.

The act of worship is so simple, yet often neglected. It’s part of the reason I chose this word. I often have a bad habit that when I pray, I just dive straight into my divine to-do list without first recognizing the almighty power of the God to Whom I am praying! This year, I’ve been trying very hard to start my prayers with a sense of awe and reverence that the God to whom I pray is the Creator of all…. He deserves my respect. After all, I was created for Him, not the other way around.

I’m not saying there’s never a time to just jump right into prayer…. In an emergency–we get to the point. But as a general rule, our prayers should begin from a place of worship. It’s how Jesus taught us to pray. He said, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9b). “Hallowed” means holy, sacred, or revered. The prayer Jesus taught immediately started with praise to God, an acknowledgment of who He is.

Beyond worshiping God in prayer, we worship Him when we sing to Him (don’t worry about carrying a tune…. We’re told to make a joyful noise to the Lord in Psalm 98:4. He never said we have to be on key!). We worship Him when we acknowledge the beauty of His world (Psalm 19:1). We worship Him when we express our gratitude towards Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We worship Him when we work for Him, taking care in using the gifts and talents He’s given (Colossians 3:23). The list is endless. So, worship isn’t just a Sunday kind of thing.

Being intentional in my worship has been a game-changer for me this year. And I’m grateful. Especially as I move into 2023 with a new word…. “Purpose.” It’s a good segue word…. I’ve studied worship, and since my purpose as a created being is to bring God glory and worship to Him, that feels like a good plan for the new year. And that, my friends, is a wrap. Not only for this special “full-ness” series. But the “My Grace-Full Life” column. I’m so grateful to Robin Bralley for her willingness to publish this column each month since January 2017. I’m stepping away from my position as Senior Writer for Forsyth Magazines, but please know that I am thankful to you for reading and your words of encouragement. While MGFL will no longer be published in Forsyth Family, the blog on which this column was founded will continue. Every day, I post a Bible verse and prayer, and on Sunday morning, a blog post. If you are interested in subscribing, you can do so at MyGraceFullLife.com or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. Again, my sincere thanks for reading!

Verse of the Month: But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25 NKJV).

Song of the Month: “How Great Is Our God,” by Chris Tomlin

Recommended Reading: I Still Believe, by Jeremy Camp; Crazy Love, by Francis Chan; Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed an Unlikely Generation and How He Can Do It Again Today, by Greg Laurie; Because of Bethlehem, by Max Lucado

MINUTE

for your Minister

Christmastime

Christmas....

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? Have you ever thought about what all the end-of-year Christmastime responsibilities look like for your pastor and his family, with all the additional commitments, extra services, and programs that Christmas brings? One of the reasons most of us love Christmas, besides the birth of our Savior, is the extra family time you get to spend with your loved ones.

But the demands on your pastor during the Christmas season, especially this year when it falls on a Sunday, actually mean less family time. Please go out of your way to thank your pastors and their families for the extra sacrifices they make for you and your church during this Christmas season.

You can #BETHEONE to bring a smile to their face by simply acknowledging their efforts and expressing your appreciation.

FAITH & Family

CALENDAR

TANGLEWOOD FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

NOW - JAN 1, 6:00-11:00PM Location: Tanglewood Park (Clemmons) From storybook scenes to Holiday themes, over 75 displays and over one million lights fill Tanglewood Park with the entire splendor and joy of the Holiday season! 336.703.6400

YMCA MISTLETOE 5K & FUN RUN

DEC 3, 7:30AM Location: William G. White Family YMCA (WS) Proceeds: Help Stop Childhood Obesity ymcamistletoe.org

WINSTON-SALEM JAYCEES HOLIDAY PARADE

DEC 3, 5:00PM Location: Downtown Winston-Salem 336.776.0690

KERNERSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

DEC 4, 2:30PM Location: Downtown Kernersville 336.993.4521

RURAL HALL CHRISTMAS PARADE

DEC 4, 2:30PM Location: Downtown Rural Hall 336.969.6856

WBFJ “ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS” CONCERT SERIES

DEC 6, 6-8PM Location: Food Court @ Hanes Mall (WS) Musical Guests: Kyle Sigmon & Michael Tyree

336.777.1983

LEWISVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

DEC 11, 3:00PM Location: Downtown Lewisville 336.986.5640

WBFJ “ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS” CONCERT SERIES

DEC 13, 6-8PM Location: Food Court @ Hanes Mall (WS) Musical Guests: Cindy Johnson & Melissa Roland

336.777.1983

CHRISTMAS FOR THE CITY

DEC 17, 1-6PM Location: Benton Convention Center (WS) Over 50 churches coming together to present Christmas for the City for the community with live music, kids & student activities, a toy workshop and a wide variety of arts and much more! christmasforthecity.com

FOX8 HOLIDAY CONCERT

DEC 17, 7:30PM Location: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (WS) Presented by the Winston-Salem Symphony. Free Admission, however everyone is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army. / myfox8.com

WBFJ “ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS” CONCERT SERIES

DEC 20, 6-8PM Location: Food Court @ Hanes Mall (WS) Musical Guests: Jay Boyce & Ryan Newcomb

336.777.1983

“RUNNING OF THE LIGHTS”

DEC 31, 11:45PM Location: Tanglewood Park (Clemmons) The run/walk starts as the clock strikes midnight through the Tanglewood Festival of Lights! Proceeds: We Care House runningofthelights.com

VINTAGE BIBLE COLLEGE WINTER QUARTER ENROLLMENT

NOW - JAN 2 Location: Vintage Bible College (WS) Offering Associate through Doctorate Degree Programs in Bible Studies, Leadership, Theology, Ministry & Christian Education Classes start January 2, 2023 336.759.0591 vintagebiblecollege.org