Wow! I’m awed by what God does in corporate worship! Of course God uses individuals to draw our attention towards Him in worship, but true Worship only occurs when we encounter the tug of His Spirit on our hearts. Still again it’s more than that. It’s more than a feeling or an emotion, although our emotions play a part. It’s emotion only, if we come together to only have a good “cry” or exciting “pep rally” and then go home unchanged. If worship is merely a head thing or intellect only, it challenges our cerebral understanding but may not move us to put the concept into practice for daily living, leaving our spirt dry. When worship speaks to the heart and mind then we are poised to receive a fresh Word from God, a Word that will change us.
On my computer desktop I put Post-it notes. Some of these notes are actually hard copy post-its and others are on the desktop. Some of you will know what I’m talking about. Anyway, I put the verse below on my screen saver a long time ago and every time I read it I realize the richness of the words.
“He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!”
Isaiah 26:3 TLB
It doesn’t say God will give us peaceful situations but it does say He will supply peace within us as we trust Him.
The choir anthem for this coming Sunday is another new tune with a powerful message. It reminds God’s people that though the times we live in are uncertain, unsure, and ever changing we can rely on a God who is CERTAIN, SURE and NEVER CHANGES. The song written by Cliff Duren & Lee Black is titled “One.” Meditate on the words for a moment.
We find ourselves living in uncertain times.
Where there once was right and wrong, it seems we’ve blurred the lines.
We’re told there are no absolutes, so everyone is free to choose their own version of the truth.
And the skeptics and scoffers may laugh at my faith,
but I’m holding to the Rock that will not change.
One God, one King, one Champion left standing,
One faithful love unending.
One Lord alone, one Lamb upon the throne!
Through history there has been a battle fought
For the souls of every man, a fight for every heart.
Some days it seems that evil will win,
But through His Word, the Truth prevails, reminding us again
That the Kingdom of darkness will fall to its knees,
For the day will come when every eye will see
One God, one King, one Champion left standing,
One faithful love unending.
One Lord alone, one Lamb upon the throne!
One answer to the questions, one Redeemer crucified,
One saving resurrection, one Way, one Truth, one Life!
One God, one King, one Champion left standing,
One faithful love unending.
One Lord alone, one Lamb upon the throne!
Let us remember the battle we fight as Christians is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one. When other Christians let us down by not living up to their words; when our children make terrible decisions that rip our hearts apart; when it seems our government’s goal is to ban every vestige of Christianity from the public arena; when families of friends and loved ones are falling apart; when disrespect abounds; when lies masquerade as truth — don’t lose heart. God is not finished yet. He may be calling us to action but He certainly is not defeated.
Ephesians 6:10-18 is a wonderful passage to bring into focus what is happening around us.
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
(New Living Translation)
Remember these words of truth when your husband fails you, when your friend hurts you, when your church disappoints you, when your child distresses you, when it seems life is too hard to endure, or when you are fully depleted. God’s Word is where we find power to live out these uncertain days. We must cling to it as the life blood of our existence—otherwise we will flounder, vacillating from one doctrine to the next. Stand in God’s truth even if you are left standing alone!
Hold firm, be strong in Him!
God bless you all!
Keith