Worship: Understanding the Essence of Life

By Ishaya Ganya

WORSHIP:
Understanding the Essence of Life

What is worship?
Why worship?
Every now and then, we hear believers talk about the word “worship” as though it is a seasonal spiritual activity undertaken within our Sunday service meetings, or other such Christian fellowship meetings. As a result, many have narrowed the meaning of the word.

Many have come to think of worship , as a periodic activity that is meant to arouse a spiritual euphoria in the course of Sunday services, preparatory to another itemized activity in the programme of events during such services. But the question is, what exactly is the meaning of John 4: 23; where Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that His Father is seeking for “worshipers” who will “worship” Him in spirit and in truth?

In this book, I am presenting an opinion that I believe would give a proper perspective of what “worship” truly is. It is fundamentally from scripture, which is the Spirit and the mind of God concerning His expectations of us.

The book is divided into three parts:
PART ONE (1)
CONCEPT OF WORSHIP AND THE WORSHIPER
Re-defining Man’s Identity and Purpose.
(But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. - John 4:23)

PART TWO (2)
LIFE OF THE WORSHIPER
Understanding who we truly are, and Living the “true” Life
(For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. –Ephesians 2: 10)

PART THREE (3)
THE RECEIPIENT OF OUR WORSHIP AND HIS LOVE FOR THE WORLD
Do not be wise in your own eyes.
(Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever! –Deuteronomy 5:29).

I may not know what your thoughts and understanding of what the Word “worship” means, but let me encourage you to read on and explore the Word of God with me. I promise you would find something new that will challenge you to live differently as you pursue righteousness. This is my simple desire and prayer for us all. Enjoy reading!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ishaya Ganya
• Release date: Nov 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9789785824476

Book preview

Worship:

Understanding the Essence of Life

What is worship? Why worship?

Every now and then, we hear believers talk about the word worship as though it is a seasonal spiritual activity undertaken within our Sunday service meetings, or other such Christian fellowship meetings. As a result, many have narrowed the meaning of the word.

Many have come to think of worship , as a periodic activity that is meant to arouse a spiritual euphoria in the course of Sunday services, preparatory to another itemized activity in the programme of events during such services. But the question is, what exactly is the meaning of John 4: 23; where Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that His Father is seeking for worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth?

In this book, I am presenting an opinion that I believe would give a proper perspective of what worship truly is. It is fundamentally from scripture, which is the Spirit and the mind of God concerning His expectations of us.

The book is divided into three parts:

1. PART ONE (1)

CONCEPT OF WORSHIP AND THE WORSHIPER

Re-defining Man's Identity and Purpose.

(But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. - John 4:23)

2. PART TWO (2)

LIFE OF THE WORSHIPER

Understanding who we truly are, and Living the true Life

(For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2: 10)

3. PART THREE (3)

THE RECIPIENTS OF OUR WORSHIP AND HIS LOVE FOR THE WORLD

Do not be wise in your own eyes.

(Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever! –Deuteronomy 5:29).

I may not know what your thoughts and understanding of what the Word worship means, but let me encourage you to read on and explore the Word of God with me. I promise you would find something new that will challenge you to live differently as you pursue righteousness. This is my simple desire and prayer for us all. Enjoy reading!

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Special dedication

This book is dedicated to the loving memory of ADAMU BAMAIYI (ADO), for a life lived tirelessly in pursuit of the essence thereof.

ADAMU BAMAIYI 14TH MAY, 1978 – 3RD JUNE, 2012

ADAMU BAMAIYI was born on the 14th day of May, 1978 at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, to Senator Danladi (now deceased) and Mrs. Anna Bamaiyi. He attended Federal Staff Primary School, Sokoto from 1984 to 1990, where he was the Head Boy in his final year.

Thereafter, he attended Nigerian Military School Zaria from 1991 to 1996, where he distinguished himself academically and in military training. He was a Provost (equivalent to a Hall Prefect) in his third year in school, and was also an appointment holder (Boy Corporal) in his final year.

After graduation from the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, Ado, as he was popularly called, went to Belerbys College, Brighton and Hove, UK for his A levels and thereafter, University of Sussex, Brighton for his degree in Law. After graduation, he stayed back in the UK and obtained two Masters Degrees: an MA in International Business and an MBAall from Webster University, London.

On his return from the UK, Ado worked at various times and also engaged in private business as Managing Director of his company, Batusky (Sundu) Limited. During this period, Ado developed his entrepreneurial skills and took on and surmounted various personal and business challenges.

In 2010, he took up an appointment as Personal Assistant to the then Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.

He subsequently moved to the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), where he worked as Senior Investment Officer in the Policy Advocacy and External Relations Department. He thereafter took up his last job with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Senior Supervisor in the Financial Policy and Regulations Department, and sometimes assisted in the Office of the Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability. Incidentally Ado was promoted to the post of Assistant Manager on Thursday the 7th of June, 2012, four days after he passed away.

Ado was an exemplary employee, who was fully committed to his job, and always sought to do his best and improve himself and the organization. It was in this quest for self- development that Ado was scheduled to attend the training program in Lagos along with his colleagues. He left home at about 12 noon on Sunday the 3rd of June, visited a friend before setting out for the Airport and boarding his last flight – Dana Flight 992 to Lagos.

He was a very popular, friendly and outgoing person, whose friends cut across tribal, ethnic and religious divides. Ado was a very disciplined and committed person. He would jog several kilometers every morning to keep fit, and loved reading books and dancing.

He would be fondly remembered as a person who affected his environment. He had an infectious smile and was an epitome of calmness. His thirty four years on earth could be summarized in one word – Unforgettable!

Ado, rest well, till we meet again. You will always be in our thoughts.

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Acknowledgment

The great team has done it again! A fellowship of excellent persons who are always there to add value to my work. The list is endless. I appreciate God for allowing them to expedite the needed motivation for this work, without which I would be terribly starved as a writer and grossly underdeveloped in this venture. While it is not out of order to attempt to list them all, I am concerned that if I try to do that, I'd leave a few persons out. I would thus crave the indulgence of these great individuals to allow me to mention only a few of them, who were directly involved in making proficient contributions towards the delivery of this book. This is not in any way an attempt to downplay the impute of the many other members of this team.

Ambassador Sunday Thomas Dogonyaro OON, mni: In a class all by yourself, you have spared no effort in giving me very honest and transparent advice. You have once again demonstrated your keen interest in my development as a writer, and most significantly, my growth as a believer. It is such a blessing to once again have you give the FOREWORD to this book. Your views are always apt and thought- provoking. Thank you for always being there.

Mr. Pusonnam Yiri: Your work on the manuscript of this book is a major drive to its realization. From the first time I met you, you have not ceased to give your wise counsel for the successful delivery of a good book. You indeed are a worthy book writer's trainer, with a critical but graceful touch. Thank you for giving me the push to stay consistently focused on my quest to do a good job.

Dr. Benjamin Ezra Dikki (Sarkin Yakin Zuru): Sparing time within your very tight work schedule of translating the Bible into C'lela language, to edit the manuscript of this book, you demonstrated yet your profound interest in seeing to the success of this work. I am truly encouraged and most thankful sir.

Moses Paul, who I fondly call my Prophet: Always there to read through my manuscripts, you have demonstrated uncommon friendship. You are simply incredible, and I am deeply grateful.

Michael Ango (Mika): "…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). You have epitomized this brand of friendship. The grace with which you wrote and made available the biography of your deceased childhood friend (ADAMU BAMAIYI), to be included in this book as a tribute, speaks volumes about the nature of the relationship you had with him. This is recognised and truly appreciated.

To my sons, Philip, Joshua and Jacob, whom I love in ways that only true fathers can fully understand. It is tremendously joyful for me to be your father, and be able to provide the very vital elements for life. Many times we have disagreed on certain fundamentals and I have had to purposely accede to your pressures, just to allow you learn from the necessary experience of holding such erroneous view. I believe they are as a result of your developing reasoning aptitude, and inability to count cost at this phase of your lives.

This shall pass! Your mum in the course of our most eventful year 2020, and most especially during her last days, attempted in various ways to communicate her desire to see an improved interpersonal relationship within the family. Now she is not here with us to continue to give her motherly care, which is visibly missing. We must thus in keeping her memory alive, let the thought of her struggles to promote good values drive us to become better individuals. I am determined more than ever before, to trust God more, for the needed drive that would facilitate godly growth in the family. We must live our lives like she did; redeeming the time, knowing that the days are evil. I am praying to live long enough to be there with you, as you go through the inescapable vicissitudes of life, that are a part of the progression to becoming the men that your mum and I have laboured and trusted God for to see. Whatever happens, I want you to know that, Daddy loves you dearly.

To my Sister-in-law, Tabitha: Perfectly fitted in the space of the girl and princess of the house, your role is deeply esteemed for being not just an auntie, but most essentially, the energetic sister and stabilizer to my boys. With the demise of your sister (my wife), you have become more caring and thoughtful. You are sincerely appreciated, with a prayer for God to meet all your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.

To my wife Rebecca: I was taking a final read at the manuscript of this book when you went to be with the Lord. The grace you demonstrated during your last few weeks with us was simply exceptional. During the year (2020), you practically expressed your fears for the year, and the uncertain future, in your many random, but thought provoking statements and actions. Now that you are not here, it is clear you were prompting us to be more thoughtful in our actions. Looking back today, all I can say is that you acted like you had a premonition of your departure. So like Christ, you prayed a lot, and worked harder at showing how much you loved and cared for us, and other people generally. Without a doubt, you fought a good fight and finished your race very well and timeously, with an attitude of one who was redeeming the time. You will forever be in our thoughts for being phenomenally incredible in your unique style. We are strengthened to know that you simply just transited to be with the Lord. While we each wait for our turn to come over, I'd like you to know that we love you dearly, and always will.

To my parents: Your graceful thoughts of me and prayers are making a difference in my life. You gave me my first impression of what purposeful serving is, and it is getting better by the day. I am glad you are my parents.

To a partner in progress, Mike Olusegun Ogunwale of Manpower Publishing House, I owe a great deal of gratitude for undertaking to publish this book. It is the second book I am doing with you. You have again demonstrated uncommon commitment to doing an excellent job, which is sincerely noted and greatly appreciated.

Most importantly, to my God and Father: I'm in awe of your love for me. I shall remain grateful and committed to following and promoting Your purpose.

Finally, to everyone who held out a thought of me in their heart and prayed for me to succeed. I invite you to celebrate with me today the birthing of one of the products you have laboured for. This is the crystallization of the influence of your goodwill. In your moment of need the Lord Himself shall raise for you a team of Grace to race with you to finish.

Shalom!

Ishaya Ganya

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Foreword

WORSHIP connotes the existence of twin realities. One superior and dominant, while the other is inferior and subordinate. In these

realities is a defined inbuilt relationship – hierarchical, with one drawing life from and dependent on the other. The strength of this relationship means that the subordinate is seen and recognized by the nature and properties of the dominant reality. If one takes colours for example, one will find that other colours are derived and defined by the primary colours. Though with self-identities, yet there is a definite relationship.

Ishaya Ganya, our author, in this incredible piece of work traces the root of worship and who the true worshiper is. He presents Scriptural evidence to show that the worshiper is one who derives his IDENTITY and PURPOSE from God, the Creator and dominant reality. With this he argues that the act of worship is the product of involuntary submission by the subordinate, coming from the realization of this structured and defined relationship that has given him his nature, identity and purpose. The continuous submission births a lifestyle (worship) reflective of the relationship which makes the person a perfect-fit piece of the jigsaw puzzle or the story that God is telling on the Earth. For this author therefore, worship is beyond the singing, dancing and raising of hands during Church Services and Programs. The following pages contain the compelling evidence.

Presented in three parts and thirty one chapters, Ganya painstakingly takes the reader on a spiritual journey on the concept of worship, identifies the worshiper and his corresponding lifestyle, concluding definitively that you, the reader, exist to worship God and do His Will eternally, first here on Earth and then with Him in His eternal glory. Ganya charges us not to be wise in our own eyes!

This book is evidence of the grace of God on the life of Ishaya Ganya and confirmation that he is a gift to the Body of Christ for this season. I am certain that more books are coming from him. The one who thus ignores his writings, does so to his peril. It is a book that should be read again and again with an open heart, and by this, the reader will be transformed by the Lord into a genuine worshiper. It is a book for everyone, written in clear simple language that can be understood by everyone. I commend the book to you.

May God Almighty, establish and increase you as you read and digest the contents.

Shalom.

Ambassador Sunday Thomas Dogonyaro (OON, mni)

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Introduction

"Now we know that God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him." John 9: 31

Father, we worship You is a catchphrase you hear repeatedly whenever believers congregate in fellowship meetings and other Christian functions. In gatherings like these, we hear that God feeds on our worship. We hear that He is quick to come to the aid of the worshiper with whom He is well pleased. The congregants, in gatherings like these, become so engrossed with the singing that they confuse the reality of what worship truly is, with the momentary excitements of these occasional sessions. Over the years, many of us have come to accept these exercises as what worship solely is. Not realizing that this is just a part of a bigger picture. So what is worship?

It is important to note that Christian worship begins with our discovery and acceptance of who God truly is, and His expectations of us as His workmanship. Whether we know it or not, all humans worship something. We may not physically bow down to it, or offer songs of praise and adoration to it. But the fact that we are giving it a place of priority as being able to provide certain reliefs makes it our object of worship.

I would like you to reflect on this definition of worship as presented by Merriam-Webster: Reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also: an act of expressing such reverence; a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual; extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem.

From this definition, one thing is certain: worship is an attitude of the heart that involves love and loyalty, which manifests in devotion to someone or something that appeals to one's love and admiration. We believe that these objects of esteem provide some form of incentive, to the