Scripture:
"So the LORD said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door..." - Genesis 4:6-7

This was the first recorded worship services after the fall of Adam. From it we can learn some valuable instructions about how to worship. The first thought I would like to communicate with you is that worship begins with God. If God didn’t exist worship would be unnecessary. But he does exist and we are told that he seeks those who will worship him. "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship him. John 4:23

The next thought I would like to point out is that worship begins with our advancing toward God. A deliberate effort. Both Cain and Able made a deliberate effort to worship God. "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you....." James 4:8 Worship involved personal action. We don’t stumble into an encounter with God. We have a rendezvous with him on purpose.

Worship continues with our contribution. Without generous giving and sacrifice there is no worship. Many a non-church individuals (and some church folks as well) make such a fuss over the receiving of tithes and offerings. But sacrificial giving is a vital part of our worship. However, material possessions are not all we should contribute. Paul instructed the church at Corinth that each was to come prepared to contribute to the worship service. I Corinthians 14:26. (a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, etc..)

Worship although corporate is individual. And worship is evaluated. Cain and Able came corporately to worship God, but were evaluated individually. As we study this scripture we learn that our worship toward God, even in a corporate setting, is being measured and evaluated by God.

Lastly we need to understand that worship is either being accepted or rejected. God saw the worship of the widow and her mite. He also saw the deception of Ananias and Sapphira. One received recognition and praise the others rebuke and judgment.

Remember your worship is being measure. The next time you advance toward God in worship ask your self this question. "Is my worship worth anything?" If it isn’t maybe you should do something about that.