What To Bring To Worship

I like this little verse about worship:

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." 

That's Psalm 100:4.  Short, but powerful.  And it serves as a fantastic reminder about what to bring to worship.

If you and I were to enter a temple, we first would walk in through a gate.  That would be the beginning of our journey inside.  The initial step.

So check back with the first part of the verse:  "Enter His gates with thanksgiving."

As we enter a time of worship let's first thank God for all of His many blessings.  Thank Him for how good He is to us.

Did God put a roof over your head, food on your table, and clothes on your body?  Thank Him.
Did God give you strength and energy to accomplish important tasks at work or home?  Thank Him.
Did God forgive your sins and save your soul?  Thank Him.

First, bring a heart full of thanksgiving to worship.

Now, let's go back to our verse.

After we initially enter through a gate, we would then find ourselves in a court.  That is the second part of our walk into the temple.  Part two of our journey.

So check back with the second part of that verse:  "and His courts with praise."

As we continue a time of worship, we are to praise our awesome God for who He is and what He does.  This means to acknowledge, admire, and celebrate His amazing attributes.  Brag on Him.  Compliment Him.

God is holy and sinless.  Praise Him!
God is powerful and unstoppable.  Praise Him!
God is wise and knows everything.  Praise Him!
God rules supremely over everyone and everything.  Praise Him!

Let praise saturate the time of worship.

So there you have it.  That's what to bring to worship.  Thanksgiving and praise.  Two gifts to lay at the feet of God.