Darren, I don't know if this will be any help for you but I will tell you what helps me. Right, before I found out the truth I was spending one on one time with him. I had been ill and not going to church for over a year. Now, they tell us going to church is for worship. For me it was not what worked. When, I got alone with him I could hear what he was saying. I know, that Jesus talked to his Father alot . He was dependent on him he had a humble and contrite spirit.
Well, after all my time listening to him he led me to questioning the church. He then led me into Ray's website. Wow, I thought I worshiped him in church but I would come home and feel empty and depressed. I use to sing solos and come home and feel terrible something just was not right. I felt like a hypocrite. When, I realized I did not know God, I was blind and could not hear. I gave lip service. But, finding out it all was lies shook me and brought me to my knees. I worshiped him and praised him for who he was. I still get so amazed when I think of it. Now, I want to obey him. I love spending time talking to him. If, I do all studying and not spending time with him and do not listen to him. I begin to feel like I am in a desert and in need of a drink of water.
He grew me up in so many ways right after I learned the truth. All, kinds of things came flying at me. I was so amazed at how he could take me from standing still in my growth for years to growth in many areas all at once.
After, coming in here I learned many things and some things I just could not seem to grasp. Weeks went by. I was wondering why am I not learning anything again. I had not been spending as much time with him one on one. I was not as dependent. He wants us dependent. When, we are dependent on God it leave us in constant wonder.
Jesus knew that he needed personal time with him. Well, during my surgery and recovery I could not come in here and read. But, I could talk to God.
Then boom some more truths started opening up to me. Well, patience is something he really wants me to learn. He gives me the understanding in his time. You could hit me with all kinds of scriptures , but if he has not turned on the light it does me no good. One, thing I have learned from this is , that he knew when he was going to show me truths and he knows when I will understand more things.
I am glad to be in here and get understanding from others. But, in reality the only way I understand anything it all comes from him. This is something I try to think about Christ All In All. Strong in the Lord not in ourselves nor others nor in things.
Also, if we obey him he says we love him. If, we put him above ourselves this is worship. This can never lead us in to confusion , disappointment or who knows what. Jesus knew his Fathers voice because it was written in his heart. That, personal time keeps me from feeling like he is not doing anything. I trust him and just know he is there. When, I take my eyes off of him and focus on others that is when I Love him less and find I try to handle things myself.
Hope this helps you. I think Love and Worship comes from spending time with someone. Like our mates. We may think we know them and not know all there is to know. With God he keeps me wanting to know him more and more. The more I learn the more I worship and Love him.
Gaining knowledge is good. But time spent with God one on one is very important to my walk with him. After all everything we learn comes from him.
In His Love,
Marlene