John 4:23 ESV
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”

Last night I had a specific dream. In this dream, there were two churches who had gathered together in their respective buildings, side by side. It was a Wednesday night. I was in one church where the people had began coming in for worship.. They were all dressed casual and finding their seats.

In the second church I could see that everyone was dressed in fine clothes many in tuxedos and gowns. That church had an enormous band and a special group getting ready to sing. The band and the singers were all dressed up as well in formal attire.

As that church began to sing the sound was beautiful, the band hit every note perfectly and the singers were boisterous and well refined. Something wasn’t right and I looked back at the church I was standing in and everyone was still milling around, not quite ready to start the worship service.

As I gazed at the refined people in the other church, hearing the beautiful music and song I heard a voice say to me. “Teach them to praise and worship.” (True praise and worship was the emphasis.)

I woke up this morning and I thought about what I was instructed to do. Praise and worship has to be authentic. Let me show you what I mean.

Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4, “…true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth…” True worshipers will worship the Father because they love Him and because they WANT to worship Him. True worshipers will allow the praise to rise up from their hearts and spirits.

Authentic worship is driven by love, not loud music or fancy bands, although with the right heart and right attitude it could certainly rise up in that atmosphere as well. Authentic worship is motivated by our deep abiding relationship with God.

We love Him in good times and bad. We worship Him with great music and subpar music, when we look our best or we are just casual.

Authentic worship is not a feeling but we sure can feel it when it comes together. Authentic worship warms our hearts and puts a smile on God’s face.

Prayer:
Father, I praise you and adore You, not just for what You have done for me but because of who You are!