*Living Worship vs. Borrowed Echoes*
And when the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures saw the Lamb had taken the scroll, they fell facedown at the feet of the Lamb and worshiped him. Each of them had a harp and golden bowls brimming full of SWEET FRAGRANT INCENCE—which are the prayers of God’s holy lovers. Revelation 5:8 TPT
Our Messiah taught us that God seeks *true worshippers*—those who worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23). But many times, instead of bringing our living worship, we settle for borrowed echoes. Worship in Scripture is always alive and present. Israel sang, the early church prayed, Paul and Silas lifted their voices in prison—and God moved.
But a recorded song is only a memory of another person’s offering. It can inspire, but it cannot replace our sacrifice of praise. True worship requires participation. The Psalms command: *“Sing to the LORD a new song”* (Psalm 96:1). Not listen, but sing.
David declared: *“I will not offer to the LORD that which costs me nothing”* (2 Samuel 24:24). Worship costs breath, effort, and surrender. *God inhabits the praises of His people* (Psalm 22:3). His presence descends when living voices rise in unity. Recordings remind us, but they do not move heaven the way *fresh incense* does (Revelation 5:8).
Incense must rise fresh before God’s throne, not replayed from yesterday. The Spirit moves in the moment, not in the memory. So let us not settle for echoes of others’ devotion. Let us open our mouths, lift our hearts, and bring God the living sacrifice of praise—today, right now.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin