True Worship - My Journal

True Worship: An Expression of Obedience, Praise, Honor, and Adoration

Matters of the Heart —Sharing my Journey with God, and my faith with others.

Written by Carol

Dear Worshiper,

Welcome to True Worship: True Worship is any expression of obedience, praise, honor, adoration, and gratitude offered to the true God by a regenerate soul who knows the truth about God and loves him. This devotional was born out of my journey of rediscovery, as I returned to God's heart, learned to worship Him in spirit and truth, and allowed that Worship to extend beyond Sunday Church Services into everyday life. This lesson on Worship is currently being taught by my Senior Pastor, Dr. Joel Tudman, at Faith Center Sunrise. Whenever a lesson is taught in Sunday Worship or Bible Study. I like to take it a step further and put my notes in a journal format to refer to them when I have an issue that needs reinforcement. Worship is not just a song we sing; it is a surrendered life we live. It is in the quiet moments, the hard seasons, and the midnight hours, just like Paul and Silas in prison. I have learned that real Worship breaks every chain, opens hearts, and invites God’s presence into the darkest places.

My prayer is that this message blesses you, strengthens your relationship with the Lord, and draws you into deeper, more intimate Worship. As you write, reflect, and pray, may the Holy Spirit meet you on every page.

 Worship That Breaks All Strongholds

The story of Paul and Silas in prison is found in Acts 16:16-40. This chapter details their imprisonment, their continued prayer and praise to God, an earthquake that releases them from prison, and the jailer's conversion.

Acts 16 teaches us about God's leading and the power of the Holy Spirit in spreading the Gospel, as well as the importance of faith, perseverance, and joy in Christ, even in the face of hardship. It also highlights the significance of praying for God's guidance and direction. 

Devotional Thought:

There is a kind of Worship that does not wait for a breakthrough; it brings the breakthrough. Paul and Silas, shackled and bloodied in the prison of Philippi, did not let their chains stop their praise. At midnight, the darkest moment of their situation, they lifted their voices in prayer and Worship. 

An earthquake shook the very foundation of the prison, doors swung open, and every chain was loosed.

This is not just a historical account; it is a spiritual principle. When we choose to worship God even when it hurts, walls fall, chains break, and hearts are changed. Worship is warfare. Praise is power. And your midnight melody may just be the key to someone else’s freedom.

The Heart of True Worship

Scripture Focus: Psalm 99:5-9, John 4:23-24

Final Thought

Worship is not about music or mood; it’s about meeting God at His footstool and bowing low in our hearts even when life is full of issues. True Worship exalts God because He is holy, not because everything is perfect around us. Worship is our surrender, our echo back to God of who He already is.

Heart Check-In

Am I worshiping from a place of truth (from the bottom of my heart), or is this just an emotion?

Is there something I’ve placed on the throne of my heart that needs to be surrendered?

Do I worship even when I don’t feel Him?

Prayer Starter

Father, I come to Your footstool today, not asking for anything, but to exalt You for who You are. You are holy. You are worthy. Let my Worship resonate through the walls of my heart and out into the lives around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Worship Moment

Do you have a phrase, lyrics, or thought that rose in you during Worship this week? Was it a whisper, a scripture, or a song? Leave a comment on this page, and it will remain here.

Here is mine:

Power in the name of Jesus that breaks every chain.

For your Glory, I will do anything, just to see you and praise your name.

Psalms 9:1-2 (NIV)

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Bake Turkey Sausage Empanadas

Click the link above for the recipe.

 

🌾 Book Summary: Deuteronomy

“The Book of Remembrance and Renewal”

Matters of the Heart Series – Journal Reflection by Carol A. White

📜 Overview

Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Torah (Pentateuch), is a powerful collection of Moses' final speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The name means “Second Law,” not because the law changes but because it is repeated and reinforced for a new generation. Moses, now 120 years old, reviews their journey, failures, and God’s enduring mercy, urging them to obey and remember the covenant that God has made with them.

✍️ Major Themes and Lessons

Remember the Journey

“The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness.” – Deuteronomy 2:7

Moses reminds the Israelites how God provided and protected them, even when they were rebellious. Remembering the past is essential for spiritual growth and obedience.

Love the Lord with All Your Heart

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5

This becomes the foundation of worship and obedience. God’s covenant is about love, not legalism, a relationship of trust and wholehearted devotion.

Obedience Brings Blessings

“If you fully obey the Lord your God… all these blessings will come on you and accompany you.” – Deuteronomy 28:12

Deuteronomy clearly outlines the results of obedience and disobedience. Blessings and curses are set before them, and they are told to choose life.

Choose Life, Not Death

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses… I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. 

Now choose life…” – Deuteronomy 30:19

Moses pleads with them to make wise choices, because every decision brings an “invoice.” The cost of disobedience is high, but the reward of faithfulness is greater.

Leadership and Succession

Moses passes the mantle to Joshua. Although Moses would not enter the land, his obedience to the end is a testament to his faith and humility.

🎶 The Song of Moses – Deuteronomy 32

This poetic chapter is a spiritual memorial — a witness to God's faithfulness and the people’s tendency to forget. Moses sings of God's justice, mercy, and unchanging character. It is both warning and worship, reminding them who God is and what He has done.

“He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.” – Deuteronomy 32:4

💭 Reflection Question

Will the Israelites ever learn?

That question echoes not just for them… but for us. God is always faithful — the question is, will we remain faithful to Him? As Moses said, “These are not just idle words for you—they are your life.” (Deuteronomy 32:47)

❤️ My Heart Note:

I have seen myself in this journey: in the wilderness, in moments of rebellion, and the restoration of obedience. Like the Israelites, I’ve had to face my own heart and choose life every day. But through it all, I’ve seen the hand of God. This book has marked my season of waiting and trusting. Just like Moses, I know God is preparing me for the next step, even if I cannot see it yet.

Teriyaki Sesame Chicken Thighs

Click the link above for the recipe.

Teriyaki Sesame Seed Chicken Thighs

Cooking from the Pantry to Table - There's nothing more satisfying than planning your own menu, shopping for fresh ingredients, and preparing daily meals.  I plan my meals on the weekends, starting with Sunday dinner, and I prepare enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day.  You will love this simple recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.  You will need to do a little prepping the night or day before.  Remove your boneless chicken thighs from the freezer and let them thaw. Then, prepare your marinade. The next day, you are ready to create this wonderful dish. Enjoy!

 

 

Ingredients

Let's make the Marinade.

      1 tbsp Smoked or regular Sesame Seed Oil

      2 tbsp Soy Sauce

      2 tbsp Agave Nectar 

     2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar

     2 cloves of garlic minced

     1 tbsp cornstarch

     1/2 cup of water

Chicken Thighs

 

   8 boneless/skinless chicken thighs

     1/2 cup scallions, diced for garnish

     2 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish

Teriyaki Sauce

   2 tbsp honey or Agave Nectar

   2 tbsp Soy Sauce

   2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar

   2 tbsp Dry Sherry

   1 tbsp minced ginger

   1/2 cup Hoisin Sauce 

Preparation

Step 1

Rinse chicken thighs and remove visible fat.  In a large Ziploc bag, combine sesame seed oil, soy sauce, Agave Nectar, rice wine vinegar, garlic, cornstarch, and water.  Then add chicken thighs. Marinate overnight or 2 hours or so before cooking.

Step 2

Preheat oven 400° degrees, remove chicken thighs from marinade and place them on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes until golden brown. 

Then remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 - 10 minutes.

Step 3

While the thighs are cooking, to make the teriyaki sauce, in a small saucepan, add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sherry, ginger, and Hoisin sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes over medium heat until the sauce becomes glossy and caramelized.  Remove from heat and set aside.

 

Step 4

After the thighs have rested, slice them into strips and place them in a serving dish. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the sliced thighs, garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.  Serve with white or brown rice.

 

My Pantry Tip

One of the things I do when my shopping is complete on the weekends.  I prep all of my fresh herbs for my meals during the week.  Example - I will wash my scallions and let them air dry on a paper towel.  Once they are dried, I dice them and place them in a plastic container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture, then store them on my refrigerator door.  They will keep for about a week.