Starting the New Year in Worship

 January 4, 2026 – First Sunday Service of the Year

As we begin a new year, one question was raised by Ps. Roland during our Sunday Service that stayed with me:

Ano nga ba ang ibig sabihin ng masagana?

Masagana, or being abundant, does not always mean having more possessions, more plans, or more achievements. Ang tunay na kasaganaan ay nagsisimula kung ang lahat ng nasa atin ay iniaalay sa Diyos—through worship. Worship is not just how we start the year; it is how we live it.

1. Worship Is Man’s Best Gift to God

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
— Romans 12:1

Worship is not limited to songs or lifted hands. Ang pagsamba ay ikaw mismo—ang iyong buhay at kilos.
Every decision, every act of obedience, every step of faith becomes an offering. Among all the gifts we can give God, our surrendered life is the greatest.

2. Worship Changes the Worshipper

“…everyone who survives of all the nations… shall go up year after year to worship the King… and if they do not worship, there will be no rain.”
— Zechariah 14:16–18

This passage reminds us of a powerful truth: no worship, no rain. Worship brings spiritual rain—renewal, growth, and blessing.

When we receive Christ, we also receive the spirit of worship. It reshapes our desires, aligns our hearts with God’s will, and changes us from the inside out. Worship is not just something we do; it is something we become.

3. Worship Is a Sweet-Smelling Incense Before God

“…the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God.”
— Revelation 8:3–4

“…an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
— Ephesians 5:1–2

“…I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.”
— Ezekiel 34:26

Our worship rises to God like a sweet-smelling incense. Every sincere prayer, every act of devotion, every moment of praise reaches heaven. And when worship ascends, blessings descend—showers in their season.

We were born worshippers because we are created in the image of God. Worship is not foreign to us; it is part of who we are.

4. You Become the One You Worship

What we give our attention, devotion, and loyalty to will shape who we become. When we worship God, we become more like Him.

True unity—with others and with ourselves—starts when we are one with God. That is why Scripture reminds us not to be equally yoked with non-believers. Our worship determines our direction.

And sometimes, worship also means inviting others into God’s presence.
Dalhin mo ang iyong kaibigan sa simbahan. Let them encounter the God we worship.

As we step into this new year, may we choose a life of worship—not just on Sundays, but every day. Because when worship becomes our lifestyle, abundance follows.

Let this year begin—and continue—in worship.

Location: San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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