INTRODUCTION:

    1.  Psalm 108:1 speaks of worship.  The psalmist was ready to worship AFTER his heart
         was made right, and he depended totally upon God.
    2.  Often our worship is forced from hearts and lives that know little or nothing of God's
         greatness and glory.
    3.  Psalm 46:10 -- Part of our worship is realizing Who God is.
         (Can't properly worship without it.)
    4.  Let's examine our worship from God's viewpoint to see what right worship and
         worshipping with a right heart will do.

  I.  EXPLANATION OF RIGHT WORSHIP.

    A.  The Meaning Of Worship.
          1.  To prostrate; lay down; kiss toward.
          2.  Not an act of the hands, but an attitude of the heart.
          3.  Includes:  Prayer, confession, adoration, and obedience.
          4.  "Worship is all that I am responding to all that God is."

    B.  The Problem With Our Worship.
          1.  Try to make the body worship God while the heart is far from Him -- Matt. 15:8-9.
          2.  Try to get the service (or "worship") to make our hearts right.
          3.  This is the reason so much of our "worship" is dull and lifeless.  (John 4:22a).
          4.  Matt. 5:23-24 -- Teaches us to get our hearts right BEFORE worship.

    C.  The Preparation For Worship.
          1.  "My heart is fixed . . . "
          2.  FIXED = set right; prepared; established, steadfast.
          3.  After revealing a "fixed" heart, the Psalmist was ready to worship God -- vv. 1b-6.
          4.  Getting our hearts right with God will prepare us for worship and establish us
               in His work.
 

 II.  EXAMINATION OF RIGHT WORSHIP.

    (What does it mean to have your heart fixed?)

    1.  It means repentance and confession -- I John 1:9; II Chronicles 7:14.
    2.  It means we'll have God's priorities -- Matt. 6:33.
    3.  It means showing God's love -- John 13:34-35.
    4.  It means showing true godliness in religion -- James 1:27.
         (We'll care for one another.)
 

III.  EXAMPLES OF RIGHT WORSHIP.

    A.  David -- Psalm 51.
         1.  David's psalm of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba.
         2.  Vv. 1-5 -- David confessed his guilt.
         3.  Vv. 6-12 -- David cleansed from his sin.
         4.  Vv. 14-16 -- David desired to worship God.

    B.  Asaph -- Psalm 73.
         1.  Vv. 2-3 -- Asaph envious of the prosperity of the wicked.
         2.  Vv. 16-21 -- Asaph instructed in God's sanctuary.
         3.  Vv. 28, 1 -- Asaph worshipped God.
         4.  As long as he depended upon self, he was envious.  After he looked to God, his
              heart was fixed.

    C.  David -- Psalm 108.
         1.  David was forgiven and fully trusting God.
         2.  Vs. 1 -- His heart was "fixed" (set right and established).
         3.  Vv. 1-5 -- Then he was ready to worship God.
 

  CONCLUSION:

    A.  Fixed Hearts Affect Our Worship.
         1.  When the heart is wrong, we can't worship at all. (No desire or direction in it.)
              a.  Can't worship One we're not trusting.
              b.  Can't worship One we don't know.
         2.  When the heart is fixed, we can't help but worship.
              a.  Because we know Who God is.
              b.  Because we're in fellowship with Him.
              c.  Because we've trusted Him and seen Him work in our lives.

    B.  Fixed Hearts Affect Our Witness.
         1.  Psalm 51:13 -- David was ready to "teach transgressors thy ways."
         2.  When we're so close to God, we'll want to tell others about Him.
         3.  We'll also be able to witness of Him.
              a.  We'll be fit, in shape or condition to witness.
              b.  We'll be knowledgable.  We'll know what we're talking about.
              c.  We'll be in touch, sensitive to the Spirit as He leads our lives and witness.