Here I Am

 

This week I've been focused on the call of the prophet Isaiah. More specifically, I've been focused on Isaiah's response to God's call on him. 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

Isaiah‬ ‭6:8

We read this same passage on Sunday morning and the challenge given to our church family was to daily read this passage and to daily respond to God's call, "Here I am. Send me!"

Just this morning, as I read this passage again, I was reminded of the call of Moses - and of Moses' response to God's call on him. 

So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”

Exodus‬ ‭3:3-4‬

Similar to Isaiah, Moses responds, "Here I am.", yet Moses' response stops there. Moses tells God, essentially, "I am present", but his commitment to God is lacking. 

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

‭Exodus‬ ‭3:11‬

Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?

Exodus‬ ‭3:13‬

Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?

Exodus‬ ‭4:1‬

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

‭Exodus‬ ‭4:10‬

But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else."

‭Exodus‬ ‭4:13‬

Moses responds, "Here I am. Who am I that I should go? What would I say? What if they don't listen? What if they don't believe me? I'm not a good speaker? Please send someone else." 

God call each one of us. He has a specific purpose and path for every individual that He has created and given life to. And when God calls us, we are challenged to respond to His call, "Here I am. Send me!", just as Isaiah did. 

Yet, believers in Christ mimic the response - the attitude, the actions, and even the words - of Moses; "Here I am. Send someone else."

Week after week, believers show up in church buildings and respond "I am present" but when God calls them to worship - when God calls them to share - when God calls them to love - when God calls them to go  - they respond "Not me.". 

"Present" is not acceptable! It's time - now more than ever - for The Church to hear the call of God and respond - in a bold voice, "Here I am. Send me!" 

Let the response begin with you. Let it begin today. 

Fan The Flame

 

The Holy Spirit is not a spark that is ignited on a Sunday morning and quickly dies out. 

The Holy Spirit must be a flame that burns deep within our souls always. For in this way our hearts are passionate, our minds are focused, and our spirit is alive. 

The Holy Spirit may be extinguished by the world that we live in, but only if we allow it. 

The Holy Spirit is a spark that is ignited at the moment that we come face to face with Jesus - when we align ourselves with His will for our lives - when we dedicate our ways to Him - when we commit our lives to Him. 

The Holy Spirit, then, must be fanned for His fire to stay alive and active within our soul. 

Yes, the Holy Spirit must be fanned on a Sunday morning through our worship of God and through the hearing of His Word. 

And, the Holy Spirit must be fanned through our daily acts of worship; prayer, Scripture reading, accountability, sharing with Christian friends. 

The Holy Spirit is not a spark that is ignited on a Sunday morning and quickly dies out. For He is larger than the local church. If it is the responsibility of the local church and its leaders to bring you the Holy Spirit each week your walk with Jesus will never progress. 

The Holy Spirit must be a flame that burns deep within our souls always. 

Fan the flame - today and always. 

Fan the flame - let the spark be ignited. 

Fan the flame - feed the fire and passion for God in your life. 

Fan the flame - don't allow the embers to cool. 

Fan the flame of the Holy Spirit. 

Sinspiration

Last night we hosted a "Singspiration" at the church. It was a wonderful - spirit-filled time of worship and praise through various modern songs. 

A few days before the event I created a graphic and shared it on Facebook hoping to promote the event. I was compelled to take it down when a friend pointed out that I was promoting a "SINspiration". 

Today I was reflecting on a truth I heard a few days ago; "Satan is not creative, he does not create anything. Instead he perverts God's created beauty". 

If allowed, Satan will pervert everything beautiful that God has created - including the very worship of God. 

Let us focus our heads, our hearts, and our hands to God and let us refuse to allow God's beauty to be perverted. 

Morning Prayer

This morning, as I walked through the church building, and into the Sanctuary - considering all of the planning, praying, and preparing that has gone into our celebration - I began to pray;

"God, I just want everything to be perfect..."

At that moment I was reminded that this may have been the very prayer of the Jewish religious leaders on the weekend that Jesus was crucified. 

The Jewish religious leaders had planned, prayed, and prepared for the celebration of Passover. Knowing that large crowds were entering the city, they watched as Jesus entered Jerusalem upon the back of a donkey, and a colt. As He entered the city they told Him to quiet the people - to quiet His followers - who were crying out "Hosanna". 

The next day Jesus entered the Synagogue and drove out money changers and those who were making a spectacle out of God's House - some of which were these Jewish religious leaders.

Now angry at Jesus and jealous of the attention that He was receiving, the Jewish religious leaders gave one of Jesus' followers a bride - 30 pieces of silver - for the knowledge of His whereabouts. Not only did they detain Jesus, they flogged Him, stripped Him naked, and hung Him on a Roman cross - hurling insults at Him as He hung suffocating to death. 

All the while they prayed;

"God, I just want everything to be perfect..."

And so, this morning, as I prepare to worship the Lord - who was not overcome by man - who did not stay dead in a tomb - who cannot have His plan thwarted - my prayer is;

"God, may Your will be done. If I have failed to prepare in any way for Your presence, make that aware to me. Then, after I have done everything that You have called me to do this morning, give me the wisdom and the ability to step out of the way and point to You, Jesus. God, may Your will be done."

Revelation 19

Revelation chapter 19 is the first - and only place - that "Hallelujah" is found in the New Testament. Four times, in fact, within six verses. As all of heaven cries out in adoration and worship of God, "Hallelujah".

In Revelation. 19:6-7, John writes, 

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

But it's not simply the worship of "Hallelujah" that brings me excitment as I read Revelation 19 and it's not just the knowledge that all of heaven unites in this cry of celebration. What brings the most joy to my heart is the occasion of this great heavenly praise. 

John continues in Revelation 19:7-8, 

For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.

This is the wedding day of Jesus Christ, the day when The Church is united with Christ in heaven for all of eternity. 

This passage speaks of the bride (The Church) being made ready. Furthermore, we read of The Church is given fine, perfectly clean, linen to wear for this wedding day. 

Many brides spend weeks, months - even years - to choose their wedding dress. I've even heard of shows devoted to saying "yes to the dress". So I know that choosing the perfect wedding dress is highly important to the bride. Yet this verse states that the perfect wedding gown will be presented to us on the day that we are united with Christ. 

And still, it's not that simple. 

You see, the final portion of verse 8 tells us more. Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.

Let's read Revelation19:6-8 in the English Standard version. Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!

For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Did you catch that last phrase? The wedding gown that we are "granted to wear" on the great wedding day - when we - The Church - are united with Christwill be our own "righteous deeds". 

As The Church we are called to be prepared for the day we are united with Christ. Likewise, it is through our righteous deeds that our wedding gown is being prepared as a perfect and spotless robe. 

So Church, let us prepare. Prepare The Way. 

Baptizing Zion

Yesterday I had the great honor and privilege of baptizing my son Zion, as we concluded our Easter worship celebration. This is the second of my children that I have had the honor of baptizing. For me, of course, this is a very emotional experience.

Zion began asking me if he could be baptized almost a year and a half ago. But, because he was only 5 years-old, I told him that it would be better if he would wait to be baptized. He has asked me several times over the past year and a half and every time, after a bit of conversation with him, I conclude by telling him that it would be better if he would wait until he was older.

The reasoning that he gives for wanting to be baptized are reasons that I would encourage others to be baptized; I want to receive communion, I want my sin to be completely washed away, and I want to tell others that I am a Christian, to name a few.

Knowing that I was preparing to baptize three individuals yesterday, he asked me Thursday - as I laid him down for bed - "Dad, can I be baptized on Sunday?" Once again we had a conversation. And, once again, he gave good reasoning for wanting to be baptized; "I want to take communion with you and mom." Then, once again, I old him that it would be best to wait. And on Saturday - before I laid him down for bed - "Dad, will you baptize me tomorrow?" Once again we had a conversation. And, once again, he gave good reasoning for wanting to be baptized; "I want Jesus to wash all my sin away in front of the church." Then, once again, I old him that it would be best to wait.

As we sat down in the front pew on Sunday morning, with music playing, and anticipation for our resurrection worship celebration to begin, Zion looks up to me; "Dad, will you please baptize me today?" Once again we had a conversation. And, once again, he gave good reasoning for wanting to be baptized; "I think it will help me grow closer to God".

During the service I had a short conversation with God.
After the service I had a short conversation with my wife.
Then I had a short conversation with Zion.
And I got to celebrate an amazing moment with my son.

Bible Study: The Word Became Flesh

It's cold - really cold - outside! If you are not able to get out in the cold and experience the community of our Wednesday morning Bible Study, here are texts we will be reading, studying, and praying through today. 

Enjoy these in the comfort of your home, with a warm cup of coffee in the presence of The Lord. 

Psalm 144:3-4; O Lord, what is man that You care for him, the son of man that You think of Him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.

·     John 1:1-4

·     Matthew 10:16-31

·     Luke 13:31-35

·     Mark 6:31-44

·     Philippians 2:12-15

·     John 3:1-13, 7-12

·     Hebrews 5:7-10

Devoted To Devotions

From our daily devotional "The Word For You Today"; The word "devotion" implies total commitment to someone - giving them your time and attention, enjoying their company, seeking to please them, and making them priority in your life.

I often struggle to understand how so many followers of Jesus Christ are not actually devoted to Him. There is no daily time spent with Him, no time spent communicating with Him or allowing Him to communicate with them. This would never work with our friends or our family members. This definitely would not work with a spouse! Over time the relationship begins to corrode until Christ becomes only an acquaintance that we see from afar for an hour on Sunday morning. 

One of the first questions I ask an individual or couple that comes to talk with me about their struggles is "how do you daily devote yourself to God". I have found that many followers of Jesus Christ are not following Him, they are just hoping that He is following them. I have found that many followers of Jesus Christ have no real relationship with Him, they are just hoping that He continues to relate to them. Notice that I wrote "hoping" not praying. 

I have found that many followers of Jesus Christ are not following Him, they are just hoping that He is following them.

This is a new day, at the start of a new year. Let this be a year that you become devoted to The One that is totally devoted to you. Let this be the year that you worship Christ Jesus with passion and devotion.

Made Stronger In Their Presence

I have gone to Spring Arbor, Michigan this week to participate in "Equipping for Excellence" and conference for the leadership of the Free Methodist Church. Sharing in fellowship and friendship with the various pastors and leaders at this conference has been wonderful, the leadership development instruction has been great, and the breakout group that I participated in this afternoon was been insightful. However, the portion of the conference that I have enjoyed the most so far has been the worship services.

It has been nice to listen to our Bishops bring teaching and insight from the Scripture. Likewise, the musical worship team has been inspirational and has led our group into the presence of the Almighty God in a new and powerful way during each service. The Spirit of God has been moving through this group of Pastors and leaders in a way that is transnational and life-changing. 

I am not a great singer, music has never been a gift of mine. I am unable to play any musical instrument and I often struggle to carry a tune. However this does not keep me from worshiping. This afternoon - as we praised God in song - I found myself positioned between two of my close friends and fellow pastors - Adam Strauser and Matt Schutter - both are excellent singers - I could listen to either one of them sing for hours. And, as I stood between these two friends , a thought occurred to me; "I am made stronger, I am made better because I am with them". Their presence, their support, and their voices, enabled me to stay on key and to sing in a more powerful way.

And, just as their presence made me stronger in song, the presence of Godly men and women - Godly friends and Godly influences in our lives - make us stronger and make us better because we are with them. As Proverbs 13:20 states "Walk with the wise and become wise".

I should add that both of these friends mentioned above are also very Godly men who support me in my spiritual walk and hold me accountable in various ways. I am thankful for close friends that help to support and guide me through their love, actions, presence, and even their voice.  

I Have Been Looking Forward To This All Week

I just sat down on the couch to watch the game I have been waiting all week to see. The Indianapolis Colts are playing the (hard-to-like) New England Patriots in the NFL playoffs. When the Colts play the Patriots it is always an exciting game, especially when they face each other in the playoffs. Add to it the fact that the Colts are playing better than they have in a long time and the fact that the Patriots have not lost a game at home all season and you have the makings of a wonderful evening.

Because this is the 7:00 game I have cleared the rest of my evening - knowing that I will be watching this game late into the night. I took an early shower, put the kids to bed a bit early, fixed a snack, grabbed a drink, and emptied my schedule. Why? Because I have been looking forward to this game all week!

On a separate note, I am looking forward to our church service tomorrow morning. Because of the winter storm last weekend we had to cancel our worship service last Sunday and it has been almost two weeks since our church family has come together for worship. Tomorrow is the first time I get to preach this new year, I've been looking forward - with great expectation - to this new series for the past three months, and the sermon that I get to preach tomorrow is one that I have been excited to preach for several weeks. Excitement, anticipation, and energy are high. I can't wait for tomorrow's worship service.

In anticipation for tomorrow's service, I have invited several individuals and families, I promoted and announced the service many times on Facebook and emails, I have confirmed the worship music and many details with our leaders, and I have reviewed and prayed over the sermon various times. Why? Because I have been looking forward to this worship service all week!

As I consider both of these events - tonight's football game and tomorrow's worship service - I wonder; "how much preparation are we giving to our worship services". Are we preparing our schedules, our bodies, our minds, our hearts, and our families for an encounter with the Almighty God? Are we giving even minimal preparation before we walk in to meet with our creator. Is our preparation prior to worship adequate for The One that sustains us and waits to spend eternity with us? Is  our preparation for God comparable with the preparation we make prior to a football game - or some other activity.

Given all of this, I believe that the amount of preparation we make and the amount of anticipation we have truly shows how much of a priority it is in our life. I think this is a good illustration - a good measurement device - of the value we place on a something or someone.

So, what sort of preparation are your making prior to worshiping The Lord tomorrow? What sort of anticipation to you have to coming onto His presence in the morning?

Waiting for the Snow...or Something

Here I sit, at 5:30 on a Sunday morning, waiting - hoping - praying for the snow to start falling. Not only for the snow to start falling but for it to start falling quickly.

I am waiting for the snow to fall at the rate that the meteorologists forecasted these past few days.
I am waiting for the minimum of 8 inches of snow to begin at any moment
I am waiting for the maximum of 14 inches of snow to show up any time.

This "snow storm" was predicted to begin at 12:00 this morning and dump a significant amount of snow on our area through noon today. Yet, as I sit looking out the front window of my home, no snow! A bit of rain, but no snow. This "winter blast" was predicted to bring temperatures into the lower 20s and to continue to fall from there. Yet, as I look at the thermometer on our back patio, we are hanging in around 34 degrees.

It's not often that I pray for snow. No, the reason I and begging for snow this morning is because last night around 8:30 I decided that cancelling our Sunday morning and evening ministries was the most responsible thing to do. The reason that I continue to look out the window, waiting for the first sign of a winter blast is because I hate - let me write that again, I HATE - to cancel a worship service.  

I sat talking with my wife yesterday afternoon - considering and debating whether our services should be canceled today - and I told her how much I hated to cancel a service. Then I told her how difficult it was for me to express, and to explain, why.

Perhaps it is the thought that God's Name will not be praised and glorified in our church this Sunday morning.
Perhaps it is the thought that the Gospel will not be preached in our church this Sunday morning.
Perhaps it is the thought that those within our church family may decide that it is easier to sleep in then to open their Bibles, go to the Lord in prayer, or worship Him on this day that He has made.
Perhaps it is the thought that this may have been the day someone heard the encouragement that they needed or felt the love that they needed to carry help them manage the burdens of life.
Perhaps it is that thought that thousands within our community have never accepted the truth of Jesus Christ in their lives and that they will not have the opportunity to enter a church to do so this Sunday.
Or perhaps it is all of the above and so much more!

So, this morning, as I wait for the snow to begin - I will go and read my Bible, I will pray with my family, I will worship the Lord through song and through the life that He has given me on this day that He has created. And, I will leave everything in God's hands. This is not my problem to worry over and it is not mine to solve.

Worship The Lord This Morning

We have quite a bit of snow on the ground at our home this morning, many of the roads are covered with a thin sheet of ice, the temperatures are in the low 20's this morning, and many folks are asking whether we will still meet for worship today.

The answer is yes. Yes, we will still meet at the church for worship. Yes, although there is snow and ice on the ground, we will still worship The God that created the snow and the ice. Yes, we will still worship, because God is still worthy to be worshiped. I understand the families and individuals that are unable to - or fearful to - get out in the cold weather. I sympathize with the elderly who risk a fall or an accident on the slick surface. And I sympathize with the individuals who risk getting ill in the frigid temperatures. Yet God still deserves and still desires our worship.

So - wherever you are and whatever your situation - worship The Lord this morning. Worship Him through your prayer - words spoken to Him this morning. Worship Him through your song - played, sung, spoken, or otherwise. Worship Him through your reading - open His Word for your life today. Worship Him through your commitment - stating your promise to serve Him. Worship Him through your life - loving Him by serving others in His name.

This morning, as we gather at our church we will open to Isaiah 61 to discuss the joy of Christmas.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

Jesus came down from Heavenly Glory to be born in a manger. Jesus lived a life of poverty to serve the weak and the weary. Jesus died a death of cruelty to save us from the curse of sin. Jesus' life on earth brings us joy, peace, love, salvation, and hope.

This morning, whether you gather at your home church or gather in your own home, worship the Lord and focus on what He came to bring to you. Luke 2 gives us the message of the great joy that Jesus brought to earth the night that He was born. Notice that this was a message of GREAT JOY that was for ALL PEOPLE, but don't miss that this GREAT JOY has come TO YOU.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

God Show Up

As I reviewed my demon notes this evening - the first in a series called "Be Still" - I read over Psalm 46. And I came to the deep understanding that I have nothing profound to say tomorrow, I have no groundbreaking insight or wisdom to expound, I have very little for the people who come to worship with us tomorrow. Yet, I am still counting on transformation and life-change to happen!

So, tonight - as I stood in our kitchen - my prayer rang out; 

"I need You to show up tomorrow God."

"I am depending on You to show up tomorrow God."

"I am expecting You to show up tomorrow God."

See, no matter who else shows up to worship tomorrow, no matter what is said - or not said, no matter what else happens, we are hopeless - truly lost - without God. So, I am basing everything on God showing up in our worship - in the stillness, in the quiet, in our lives. 

Clinging to Worthless Idols

Currently we are walking through the book of Jonah during our Sunday morning worship services with the focus of "God's heart fro the lost". Last week we looked at chapter 2. One of the key verses from this chapter that speaks of God's heart for he lost is verse 8;

Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.

Not only do we turn away from God's love for us, we also turn away from His grace and mercy for us. Likewise, when we cling to worthless idols we turn our love and attention away from God. In addition to this, we turn our love and attention from others that surround us.

What does it mean to "cling" to something? It does not simply mean that we turn our attention to it, it means that we choose to continually remain close and attached to this object. And, what is a "worthless idol"? It is any object of worship that is of little or no value. See, we all have "worthless idols" in our lives that we need to be free of. This passage does not speak to those worthless idols that have caught our attention, tempted us in some way, or even those worthless idols that we have worshiped from time to time. This passage speaks specifically about those worthless idols in our lives that have become so important to us that we have begun to cling to them, we have made the choice time after time to remain close to them and to remain attached to them.

And we have a choice - each and every one of us - to be free of these worthless idols. We have been given this choice - this opportunity - to be free of these worthless idols through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and through the power of His Holy Spirit - Christ's gift to us.

God's heart for the lost is a heart of salvation, a heart of redemption, a heart of forgiveness, a heart of compassion, and a heart of love. God's heart for you is crying out that you would be free from the worthless idols that have kept to prisoner for far too long.

Won't you do away with these worthless idols in your life and turn to The One who died to give you a new life and a new way to live? Won't you today cling to Jesus Christ?

By God, To God, For God

"Know that The Lord has set apart the godly for Himself" (Psalm 4:3)

We are chosen by God - from before the start of creation. 

We are called to God - through the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ.

We are called to God - and only to God.

We are not to bow and worship anyone or anything except God - The Almighty God.

We belong to God - through the sacrifice and salvation of Jesus Christ.

We are consecrated for God - set apart to be used for His purpose.

Everyday We Face The Choice

"then CHOOSE for yourselves this day whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

Everyday we face a choice. 

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that has created the heavens and the earth.

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that sustains life and provides for His creation. 

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that loves us and desires a relationship with us.

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that has a purpose and a plan for your life. 

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that hears the calls and cries of the ones He loves.

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that answers our every need according to His good will.

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that came down from His throne in glory and lived among us.

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that has felt the same trials and temptations as you have.

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that died on a Roman cross to redeem us from our sinfulness.

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that rose from a grave to restore His relationship with us.

Everyday we face the choice if will serve The Almighty God; The One that has gone to heaven to prepare an eternal place for each of us.

Everyday we face a choice. 

On this choice rests your current reality.

On this choice rests your life.

On this choice rests your peace.

On this choice rests your joy.

On this choice rests your strength.

On this choice rests your hope.

On this choice rests your salvation.

On this choice rests your everything. 

Everyday we face a choice.

What will your choice be?

O Lord, who else or what else can I desire but You

The following is from A Cry for Mercy by Henri J.M. Nouwen. 

O Lord, who else or what else can I desire but you? You are my Lord, Lord of my heart, mind, and soul. You know me through and through. In and through you everything that is finds its origin and goal. You embrace all that exists and care for it with divine love and compassion. Why, then, do I keep expecting happiness and satisfaction outside of you? Why do I keep relating to you as one of my many relationships, instead of my only relationship, in which all other ones are grounded? Why do I keep looking for popularity, respect from others, success, acclaim, and sensual pleasures? Why, Lord, is it so hard for me to make you the only one? Why do I keep hesitating to surrender myself totally to you?

Help me, O Lord, to let my old self die, to let die the thousand big and small ways in which I am still building up my false self and trying to cling to my false desires. Let me be reborn in you and see through you the world in the right way, so that all my actions, words, and thought can become a hymn of praise to you.

I need your loving grace to travel on the hard road that leads to the death of my old self and to a new life in and for you. I know and trust that this is the road to freedom.

Lord, dispel my mistrust and help be become a trusting friend.

A Man At Church

A man was driving down the street last Sunday and as he drove past a church building he looked over and saw the sign inviting him to come and be a part of the fellowship. He was not a Christian, he didn't go to church on a regular basis and never thought much about attending. But, as he drove by this church, there was something that was drawing him toward it. 


Before thinking much about it he had turned into the parking lot and found a place to park. As he got out of his car he looked around and saw the people and noticed that his clothes weren't the nicest this morning, he had second thoughts about entering, but there was something drawing him in. 


As he walked inside the church he immediately felt out of place. He avoided much of the crowd at the entrance and quickly went in to find a seat at the back of the Sanctuary. One individual came up to his seat, they said hello, asked his name and asked if he had come with anyone. 


They welcomed him and told him that they were glad he had come. But apart from this casual encounter, no one spoke, no one interacted, no one seemed to care. 


This man sat through the service, still unsure of why he was drawn to this church. He listened as they taught about God and he watched how God's children acted toward him this day.

When does worship become common?

Maybe you don't go to church on a regular basis. Maybe you, like many Americans, make it to church twice a year. If this is you, forget about reading this post.

The group I want to target with this post are the "regular attenders" and especially the "members" of our churches in America. See I grew up in the church and over the years I have been to a lot of churches and I have attended a lot of "worship services".

The issue I have is that some of the, so called, "worship services" forget the worship and when a person leaves they feel like they have done a service just by sitting through the hour.

THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE!

The question I was struck with this evening; "when does worship become common". When does a person begin to take for granted the opportunity to stand before The God of all creation? And, the most important question; what does a person do about it? How does a person that finds themselves taking the presence of The Living God for granted get back to a state of authentic worship and a true awe of God?

Cows In The Corn

A Funny Little Story About Hymns and Praise Songs

Written by an unknown author

An old farmer went to the city one weekend and attended the big city church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was.

“Well,” said the farmer. “It was good. They did something different, however. They sang praise choruses instead of hymns.”

“Praise choruses?” asked the wife. “What are those?”

“Oh, they’re okay. They’re sort of like hymns, only different,” said the farmer.

“Well, what’s the difference?” asked the wife.

The farmer said, “Well it’s like this … If I were to say to you, ‘Martha, the cows are in the corn,’ well that would be a hymn. If, on the other hand, I were to say to you, ‘Martha, Martha, Martha, Oh, Martha, MARTHA, MARTHA, the cows, the big cows, the brown cows, the black cows, the white cows, the black and white cows, the COWS, COWS, COWS are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, in the CORN, CORN, CORN, COOOOORRRRRNNNNN,’ then, if I were to repeat the whole thing two or three times, well that would be a praise chorus.”

As luck would have it, the exact same Sunday a young, new Christian from the city church attended the small town church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was.

“Well,” said the young man, “It was good. They did something different, however. They sang hymns instead of regular songs.”

“Hymns?” asked the wife. “What are those?”

“They’re okay. They’re sort of like regular songs, only different,” said the young man.

“Well, what’s the difference?” asked the wife.

The young man said, “Well it’s like this … If I were to say to you, ‘Martha, the cows are in the corn,’ well that would be a regular song. If on the other hand, I were to say to you,

Oh Martha, dear Martha, hear thou my cry
Inclinest thine ear to the words of my mouth.
Turn thou thy whole wondrous ear by and by
To the righteous, glorious truth.

For the way of the animals who can explain
There in their heads is no shadow of sense,
Hearkenest they in God’s sun or his rain
Unless from the mild, tempting corn they are fenced.

Yea those cows in glad bovine, rebellious delight,
Have broke free their shackles, their warm pens eschewed.
Then goaded by minions of darkness and night
They all my mild Chilliwack sweet corn chewed.

So look to that bright shining day by and by,
Where all foul corruptions of earth are reborn
Where no vicious animal makes my soul cry
And I no longer see those foul cows in the corn,

then, if I were to do only verses one, three and four, and change keys on the last verse, well that would be a hymn.”