Practicing The Presence of God: Worship as Our Daily Response

10.6.25 |Bryan Bunagan

Video Description

Worship is more than songs—it’s offering “all that I am, all that I have, and all I hope to be” to Jesus. Drawing from John 12, we learn from Lazarus’s intimacy, Martha’s service, and Mary’s costly devotion what real worship looks like in everyday life. You’ll also see how lesser loves—like money, power, or busyness—compete for our hearts, and how Romans 12 calls us to become living sacrifices. This message lays out simple rhythms to practice God’s presence (weekly rest, daily pauses, and worship) and invites you to respond to Christ with faith. Watch, reflect, and share with someone who needs hope today.

Linked Scripture References

Key Topics

Worship, Faith, Discipleship, Serving, Prayer, Stewardship, Hope, The Gospel, Wisdom

Full Synopsis

The sermon frames “practicing God’s presence” as a holistic lifestyle shaped by biblical rhythms and a worshipful heart. It begins with the confession that many of us can move through a day without truly thinking of Jesus. To counter this spiritual drift, three habits are commended: (1) Weekly Sabbath rest—stopping to delight in God’s presence and promises; (2) The daily office—brief, scheduled pauses to remember Jesus, be still, and receive Scripture; and (3) Worship—the central focus of this message.

Worship Defined (Romans 12): Worship is presenting our whole selves to God—“a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12). Worship is both a cultivated habit and a response to God’s mercy. It is also our purpose (Psalm 95), and a choice we make moment by moment.

John 12 as a Portrait of Worship:

  • Lazarus models intimacy—having been raised from the dead (John 11), he simply sits near Jesus, choosing fellowship as his act of worship.
  • Martha models service—quiet, complaint-free hospitality aligned with her gifting; her arc of faith (Luke 10; John 11) shows maturing trust that culminates in serving Jesus with a steady heart.
  • Mary models costly devotion—she breaks expensive perfume and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. Her humble sacrifice fills the house, a sign of extravagant love that honors Christ above social norms and financial prudence.

Contrasting Responses:

  • Judas protests the waste, masking greed with piety; he chooses money over Jesus, revealing how false loves rival true worship.
  • Chief priests choose power over Jesus, planning to kill both Jesus and Lazarus to preserve influence.
  • The crowd moves from curiosity to belief, demonstrating that worship often begins with simply trusting Jesus.

Practical Application:
The message calls believers to cultivate a worshipful heart by (1) spending time with Jesus (not merely reading, but enjoying Him), (2) serving Jesus with our gifts and without complaint, (3) sacrificing what is valuable for His glory (stewardship that prioritizes Christ), and (4) believing—the essential act of faith that receives forgiveness and new life in the gospel. The invitation concludes with a prayer of commitment: to dedicate “all I am, all I have, all I hope to be” to Jesus, asking Him to anchor that promise beyond Sunday emotion.

Memorable Lines & Takeaways

  • “Worship is dedicating to Jesus all that I am, all that I have, and all I hope to be—for His use and for His glory.”
  • “In view of God’s mercy, offer your whole life as a living sacrifice—this is true and proper worship.”
  • “Every day we choose: worship God, or worship something else.”
  • “Sometimes adoration must come before activity—prioritize Jesus Himself before the good things you do for Him.”

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