NO EASE IN WORSHIP
Today's reading: 1 Kings 10-13

"So on the advice of his counselors, the king made two gold calves. He said to the people, It is too much trouble for you to worship in Jerusalem. O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of Egypt! He placed these calf idols at the southern and northern ends of Israel--in Bethel and in Dan." 1 Kings 12:28-29 NLT

I stood in this worship place in Dan when I traveled to Israel.

The very place where King Jeroboam attempted to make worship easier for his people.

The place where he led them astray.

The place where he went against all God had told Israel to do.

He wanted to 'help' the people, but worship wasn't intended by God to be easy, but intentional.

God specifically chose a place to be worshiped, Jerusalem.

God specifically chose times to be worshiped, like during the festivals or feasts.

God specifically told them how to worship, with offerings and sacrifices.

God specifically selected a place for His Holy Place with great altitude so the people had to make an effort to get there. Hills. Inclines. Steps.

Our effort is part of our worship of Him.

 Are you preparing each day, not only Sunday, to have a worshipful heart? Are you putting aside other things just to think about and delight in your Lord? Are you diligent in keeping idols out of your heart and mind?

Are you making the effort to worship or have you been told it should come easy?