http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2013-16&version=ESV
Chapter 13 to 16 detail when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem.
In chapter 13, we read that Uzzah died when he reached out to take hold of the ark when the oxen stumbled.
Why did God do this? Is this a reflection of a God of love, some may ask?
Yes, God is love, and, God is holy. The ark of God was to be carried by the Levites and by poles, not on a cart of oxen. In David's excitement to bring the ark to Jerusalem, the people treated the things of God as normal ordinary things of man.
So, God struck down Uzzah because he offended God and acted unholy, if you will.
Holiness in our day and age is something that is rarely preached on. People think holiness is a life that is rigid, full of rules, stern, and unloving.
That is not what holiness is. Holiness is being set apart for God. God is set apart from His creation in that there is no one like Him. In the same way, God says,
" For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy...."
(Leviticus 11:44)
Living a life of holiness frees you from the entrapments of the world. As John Piper has written, we should seek and savor the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all areas of our lives. We need to hold on to the promises of God and know that they are superior to the promises of the world, which entail the lies that money, power, and sex are all one needs.
Peter quotes Moses's verse above in 1 Peter 1:13-16,
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
I know some may say, "Russ that is fine for you. But times have changed and our culture is different than it was back in the days of the Bible. It is too hard to live a life of holiness, I will just do the best that I can."
Well, the times may have changed, but the fallen condition of man remains the same. And, the truths of the Word of God never change.
The writer of Hebrews writes of holiness. Listen to what he writes,
"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."
(Hebrews 12:12-14)
We are to strive to live a holy life as Christians. The ESV Study Bible's note on the above verses reads,
"Holiness is clearly expected of all Christians (without which no one will see the Lord). This is not salvation by works, however, for Christians are sanctified once-for-all by the death of Christ (Heb. 10:14); holy living is a part of the perseverance encouraged throughout Hebrews."
Embrace holiness in your lives. To live a life of holiness towards God is freeing and God honoring.
If you are interested in reading more about holiness, I would suggest two books, The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, and The Holiness of God by RC Sproul. Both books explain biblically what holiness is and how we should model holiness in our lives.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Psalm 106 & 107
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20106-107&version=ESV
Psalm 107 is a wonderful picture of how God rescues us from sin and saves us for Himself.
The psalm describes how four different groups called out to the Lord in their trouble, and the Lord's deliverance for each of these groups.
verses 4-9 depict those who wandered in barren places
verses 10-16 depict those who sat in darkness
verses 17-22 depict those who suffered for their own folly
verses 23-32 depict those who went down to the sea in ships
Read this psalm and see which scenario reflected your situation most. Or perhaps several of these groups may reflect the state a person may have been in.
In each of the scenarios you will notice there is a predicament, plea, pardon, and then praise.
Try to determine what each of them are. Share with us your findings.
This Psalm is so rich. I am so very thankful for my salvation. Today, ponder the greatness of God's work in you and His saving grace to you. Let this Psalm be a remembrance of His steadfast love for you.
Psalm 107:13-14
"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart."
Psalm 107:1
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Psalm 107 is a wonderful picture of how God rescues us from sin and saves us for Himself.
The psalm describes how four different groups called out to the Lord in their trouble, and the Lord's deliverance for each of these groups.
verses 4-9 depict those who wandered in barren places
verses 10-16 depict those who sat in darkness
verses 17-22 depict those who suffered for their own folly
verses 23-32 depict those who went down to the sea in ships
Read this psalm and see which scenario reflected your situation most. Or perhaps several of these groups may reflect the state a person may have been in.
In each of the scenarios you will notice there is a predicament, plea, pardon, and then praise.
Try to determine what each of them are. Share with us your findings.
This Psalm is so rich. I am so very thankful for my salvation. Today, ponder the greatness of God's work in you and His saving grace to you. Let this Psalm be a remembrance of His steadfast love for you.
Psalm 107:13-14
"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart."
Psalm 107:1
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Psalm 133
Today’s passage: Psalm 133
“1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
Most people would agree that living in unity is good and pleasant. Seems like it would be a goal that we would all strive to meet, yet somehow, we always seem to fall short. Being that living in unity is a beautiful thing, it seems strange that we need to be commanded to do so. In Mark 12, when Jesus was asked which commandment was most important, loving your neighbor ranks second only to loving God. And in Luke 25-28, Jesus said that by obeying these two commandments, one can inherit eternal life. Brothers who live in unity shine the light of God. Brothers who are divided distort the message of love that we were created to share. Satan loves to divide us. He uses every trick in the book – pride, jealousy, insecurity, lust, laziness, etc. to break apart the body of Christ. He loves to kill, steal and destroy unity, for there “the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” United we stand, divided we fall.
I think it’s time I take a look around and identify any areas of division in my life - in my family, friends, small group, Bible study, church, work, etc. Won’t you join me? Ask questions like what can we do to foster reconciliation? Have I left any of these communities due to division? Or did someone else leave the group? Were there hurt feelings, or maybe I didn’t feel appreciated or respected, or maybe I felt I was being taken advantage of or maybe I just got scared. Often times it just seems easier to run away – make new friends, have a fresh start, and move on. But we have to stop and consider…are we allowing satan to destroy our unity? Is division distorting or destroying the message of God’s love? Pray for guidance and courage to take a step toward reconciliation.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
“1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
Most people would agree that living in unity is good and pleasant. Seems like it would be a goal that we would all strive to meet, yet somehow, we always seem to fall short. Being that living in unity is a beautiful thing, it seems strange that we need to be commanded to do so. In Mark 12, when Jesus was asked which commandment was most important, loving your neighbor ranks second only to loving God. And in Luke 25-28, Jesus said that by obeying these two commandments, one can inherit eternal life. Brothers who live in unity shine the light of God. Brothers who are divided distort the message of love that we were created to share. Satan loves to divide us. He uses every trick in the book – pride, jealousy, insecurity, lust, laziness, etc. to break apart the body of Christ. He loves to kill, steal and destroy unity, for there “the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” United we stand, divided we fall.
I think it’s time I take a look around and identify any areas of division in my life - in my family, friends, small group, Bible study, church, work, etc. Won’t you join me? Ask questions like what can we do to foster reconciliation? Have I left any of these communities due to division? Or did someone else leave the group? Were there hurt feelings, or maybe I didn’t feel appreciated or respected, or maybe I felt I was being taken advantage of or maybe I just got scared. Often times it just seems easier to run away – make new friends, have a fresh start, and move on. But we have to stop and consider…are we allowing satan to destroy our unity? Is division distorting or destroying the message of God’s love? Pray for guidance and courage to take a step toward reconciliation.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
2 Samuel 5; 1 Chron 11-12
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20samuel%205,%201%20chronicles%2011-12&version=NIV
In today’s passage, David finally fully receives God’s promise and is anointed king over all of Israel. Note that God anointed him at age 15. Fifteen years later, he was king of Judah. Twenty two years later, he was king over all of Israel. That’s a long time to wait. As he waited, he spent time in the fields as a shepherd for his father, he served his brothers bringing supplies when they were in battle, and he served Saul, playing the harp, as an armor bearer and in battle. God anointed David at 15, and David waited & served patiently and obediently until the time was right.
Also, in 2 Sam 17-23, the Philistines come up against David twice. Both times, David inquires of the Lord (v. 19 & 23). David didn’t just assume that God would answer the same way both times. This reminds me that we should never assume to know how God will answer, even if it seems like a no-brainer.
One of the things that always gets me about the David is how easily he hears from the Lord. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just pop off an email to God and get back a quick and specific answer like David did in v 23 & 24? Why do you think we often have such a hard time hearing the voice of God? Isaiah 59: 1-2 says “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Sins like pride, lust, & envy are the thieves that kill, steal and destroy our connections with God. They make communicating with God hard not only because of our own shame, but because he is a holy God and requires our repentance.
Another big reason we have trouble knowing the voice of God is because we haven’t taken the time to get to know God first. When the phone rings, if I know you well, I will know your voice, but if we’ve only talked a few times, you’ll probably have to tell me who you are. The more we study God’s word and spend quiet time in prayer and take time to listen for a word from God, the easier it will become to get to know God’s voice. But don’t forget, sometimes God’s voice just quietly says “wait…I’m not ready to answer yet”.
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you were supposed to lead, but you were put in a position of submission? Why do you think God does this?
What are some others reasons that we have trouble hearing the voice of God? What are some ways that you’ve learned to improve your listening skills?
Why do you think sometimes God just wants us to wait for an answer?
Please leave your thoughts and comments on the blog…just click the link below and you can leave a comment. You don’t even have to log in to the blog – just respond as a anonymous user – you decide if you want to include your name.
In today’s passage, David finally fully receives God’s promise and is anointed king over all of Israel. Note that God anointed him at age 15. Fifteen years later, he was king of Judah. Twenty two years later, he was king over all of Israel. That’s a long time to wait. As he waited, he spent time in the fields as a shepherd for his father, he served his brothers bringing supplies when they were in battle, and he served Saul, playing the harp, as an armor bearer and in battle. God anointed David at 15, and David waited & served patiently and obediently until the time was right.
Also, in 2 Sam 17-23, the Philistines come up against David twice. Both times, David inquires of the Lord (v. 19 & 23). David didn’t just assume that God would answer the same way both times. This reminds me that we should never assume to know how God will answer, even if it seems like a no-brainer.
One of the things that always gets me about the David is how easily he hears from the Lord. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just pop off an email to God and get back a quick and specific answer like David did in v 23 & 24? Why do you think we often have such a hard time hearing the voice of God? Isaiah 59: 1-2 says “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Sins like pride, lust, & envy are the thieves that kill, steal and destroy our connections with God. They make communicating with God hard not only because of our own shame, but because he is a holy God and requires our repentance.
Another big reason we have trouble knowing the voice of God is because we haven’t taken the time to get to know God first. When the phone rings, if I know you well, I will know your voice, but if we’ve only talked a few times, you’ll probably have to tell me who you are. The more we study God’s word and spend quiet time in prayer and take time to listen for a word from God, the easier it will become to get to know God’s voice. But don’t forget, sometimes God’s voice just quietly says “wait…I’m not ready to answer yet”.
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you were supposed to lead, but you were put in a position of submission? Why do you think God does this?
What are some others reasons that we have trouble hearing the voice of God? What are some ways that you’ve learned to improve your listening skills?
Why do you think sometimes God just wants us to wait for an answer?
Please leave your thoughts and comments on the blog…just click the link below and you can leave a comment. You don’t even have to log in to the blog – just respond as a anonymous user – you decide if you want to include your name.
Monday, May 3, 2010
psalm 102-104
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20102,103,104&version=NIV
PSALM 102-104
Back in elementary school, we all read from a series of books with such intriguing titles like Rainbows, Wonders, and Secrets. Each book was a collection of short-stories and poems. Reading was self-paced, and you couldn’t advance from one book until you finished the one before it. So if you wanted to know what the big secret was in Secrets, you had to hurry up and read about all the wonderful things in Wonders. Back then, reading was all about covering the most pages in the least amount of time. That was why I loved reading the poetry sections! No narrative to follow. Lots of white space. And maybe a catchy rhyme or two. Man, I could blaze through those poetry sections like nobody’s business. I may have had no memory of the poems the next day, but I really felt like had really accomplished something.
Thirty years later, that instinct still resides in me when I read the Psalms, and if I’m not careful, I will miss out on the impact of some of the most beautiful passages in God’s Word. The beauty of the psalms is in their timelessness. When David is writing, he is an Everyman. He expresses all the emotions that we feel as we wrestle with this life: the anguish of sin, the joy of redemption, the awesomeness of God. Who cannot identify with the penitent heart found in Psalm 102? Or who has not looked upon all of God’s creation and providence and been awestruck with the wonder that David expresses in Psalm 104?
If you have read today’s passage once, then take the time to read it again. Though they may be easy to read, the psalms are not to go unsavored.
Rock on.
Chad
PSALM 102-104
Back in elementary school, we all read from a series of books with such intriguing titles like Rainbows, Wonders, and Secrets. Each book was a collection of short-stories and poems. Reading was self-paced, and you couldn’t advance from one book until you finished the one before it. So if you wanted to know what the big secret was in Secrets, you had to hurry up and read about all the wonderful things in Wonders. Back then, reading was all about covering the most pages in the least amount of time. That was why I loved reading the poetry sections! No narrative to follow. Lots of white space. And maybe a catchy rhyme or two. Man, I could blaze through those poetry sections like nobody’s business. I may have had no memory of the poems the next day, but I really felt like had really accomplished something.
Thirty years later, that instinct still resides in me when I read the Psalms, and if I’m not careful, I will miss out on the impact of some of the most beautiful passages in God’s Word. The beauty of the psalms is in their timelessness. When David is writing, he is an Everyman. He expresses all the emotions that we feel as we wrestle with this life: the anguish of sin, the joy of redemption, the awesomeness of God. Who cannot identify with the penitent heart found in Psalm 102? Or who has not looked upon all of God’s creation and providence and been awestruck with the wonder that David expresses in Psalm 104?
If you have read today’s passage once, then take the time to read it again. Though they may be easy to read, the psalms are not to go unsavored.
Rock on.
Chad
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Shaking your family Tree - 1 Chronicles 7-10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%207-10&version=NIV
And the genealogies continue. Friday we had the genealogy of the Levi. Today we learn in Ch. 9:22-34 about the special service or ‘office’ of the Levites. Matthew Henry’s commentary says about that “The priests and Levites were more concerned than any other Israelites, to preserve their descent clear, and to be able to prove it; because all the honors and privileges of their office depended upon their descent. Now, the Spirit of God calls ministers to their work, without any limit as to the families they came from; and then, as now, though believers and ministers may be very useful to the church, none but our great High Priest can make atonement for sin, nor can any be accepted but through his atonement.”
Tune into the truth in the phrase “now, the Spirit of God calls ministers to their work, without any limit as to the families they come from”. I love the fact that who you are, who your family is, or what your past is does not affect whether you can be called into ministry or used in service to God and the church.
If you have a past or your family is less than ideal, if you shake your family tree and ‘interesting’ people fall out, if you believe God could or would never use you, considering your family history, you may need to reconsider….
Consider Ergun Caner was raised as a devout Sunni Muslim converted to Christianity in high school. His adoption into God’s family led to being disowned by his own. After his conversion, he lead his brother’s and mother to Christ and had the opportunity to baptize his own grandmother when she was 90 years old. He is now president of the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. His brother Emir is the president of Truett-McConnell College – a Baptist college in Georgia. A man far from the Levite family tree, called and used by God in mighty ways- to train other’s for ministry.
Consider Jim Daly was abandoned by his alcoholic father at age 5. He lost his mother to cancer four years later and his grieving stepfather emptied the family home and took off with almost everything while Daly, the youngest of five children, and his siblings were at their mother's funeral. Several tough years in foster care followed, before Daly became a Christian in high school and found meaning, purpose and a sense of belonging. He is now the President of “Focus on the Family”, the ministry founded by Dr. James Dobson that fights to protect marriage and the family. Daly says that "I am living proof that no matter how torn up the road has already been, or how pothole-infested it may look ahead, nothing – nothing – is impossible for God."
Consider a sweet friend of mine who is by her own proclamation ‘trailer park trash’. She never met her real father who died in prison. He mother moved from place to place and man to man – consequently she grew up in trailer parks and truck stops. At age 19 she found herself pregnant and alone. She says that she bought the twisted lie that the only way she could save her baby from going through the same life she did was to kill it – and so she aborted the baby. Today she is moving towards a calling to ministry with a heart of orphans in Africa. She feels God’s calling to ‘bring church to the world’. Got uses her time and time again to speak into the lives of other women and to care for those who are without families.
Those are just three of thousands of stories. God calls you a chosen person – a royal priesthood. Will you step into his family and the service to which you are called? It is your inheritance.
“How great is the love the Father lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
And the genealogies continue. Friday we had the genealogy of the Levi. Today we learn in Ch. 9:22-34 about the special service or ‘office’ of the Levites. Matthew Henry’s commentary says about that “The priests and Levites were more concerned than any other Israelites, to preserve their descent clear, and to be able to prove it; because all the honors and privileges of their office depended upon their descent. Now, the Spirit of God calls ministers to their work, without any limit as to the families they came from; and then, as now, though believers and ministers may be very useful to the church, none but our great High Priest can make atonement for sin, nor can any be accepted but through his atonement.”
Tune into the truth in the phrase “now, the Spirit of God calls ministers to their work, without any limit as to the families they come from”. I love the fact that who you are, who your family is, or what your past is does not affect whether you can be called into ministry or used in service to God and the church.
If you have a past or your family is less than ideal, if you shake your family tree and ‘interesting’ people fall out, if you believe God could or would never use you, considering your family history, you may need to reconsider….
Consider Ergun Caner was raised as a devout Sunni Muslim converted to Christianity in high school. His adoption into God’s family led to being disowned by his own. After his conversion, he lead his brother’s and mother to Christ and had the opportunity to baptize his own grandmother when she was 90 years old. He is now president of the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. His brother Emir is the president of Truett-McConnell College – a Baptist college in Georgia. A man far from the Levite family tree, called and used by God in mighty ways- to train other’s for ministry.
Consider Jim Daly was abandoned by his alcoholic father at age 5. He lost his mother to cancer four years later and his grieving stepfather emptied the family home and took off with almost everything while Daly, the youngest of five children, and his siblings were at their mother's funeral. Several tough years in foster care followed, before Daly became a Christian in high school and found meaning, purpose and a sense of belonging. He is now the President of “Focus on the Family”, the ministry founded by Dr. James Dobson that fights to protect marriage and the family. Daly says that "I am living proof that no matter how torn up the road has already been, or how pothole-infested it may look ahead, nothing – nothing – is impossible for God."
Consider a sweet friend of mine who is by her own proclamation ‘trailer park trash’. She never met her real father who died in prison. He mother moved from place to place and man to man – consequently she grew up in trailer parks and truck stops. At age 19 she found herself pregnant and alone. She says that she bought the twisted lie that the only way she could save her baby from going through the same life she did was to kill it – and so she aborted the baby. Today she is moving towards a calling to ministry with a heart of orphans in Africa. She feels God’s calling to ‘bring church to the world’. Got uses her time and time again to speak into the lives of other women and to care for those who are without families.
Those are just three of thousands of stories. God calls you a chosen person – a royal priesthood. Will you step into his family and the service to which you are called? It is your inheritance.
“How great is the love the Father lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Psalm 81,88,92-93
I have to appologize for the late blog post for today. My sweet friend Amy got married this evening and I made her wedding cake. In the midst of all the fun and frosting, I forgot to post the blog that I had all ready to post yesterday. But, fortunately, that doesn't make God's word any less valid. So if you will extend me some grace, here are my better-late-than-never thoughts:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2081,88,92-93&version=NIV
The Psalms in today’s reading brings to mind the question of why and when do you worship God?
Psalm 81 is written as worship during a festival song. Israel celebrated various religious festivals annually as a significant part of their faith. The festivals were a time of celebration, remembrance and recommitment. How do we celebrate, remember, and recommit today?
Psalm 88 is an example of worshipping in the middle of a storm.
Psalm 92 is a morning hymn of praise – written to be sung at the time of the morning sacrifice.
Psalm 93 is a worship of the sovereign God of all creation – I picture the psalmist looking out at the sea – observing the power of the waves – and responding in worship.
We don’t have to wait for God to bless us to thank him. We don’t have to wait until our circumstances improve to praise him. We don’t have to wait until Sunday to see praise or for our daily quiet time to pray. We can walk through our days in thankfulness of praise.
So what I’d like to know is how do you worship? Not how do you worship in church, but how do you worship outside of church? I’ll share some of my, shall we say ‘creative’ ways of worship – and I’d love it if you’d share yours.
In the mornings when I get ready, sometimes I turn off my radio and make up hymns of praise that recount to God – and to my own heart – everything that he is that makes him worthy of praise. For me it is a great way of putting God in the proper place – on his throne – and me at his feet. It reminds me of his wisdom and sovereignty, his unfailing love and faithfulness, and helps me rest in the knowledge that he holds me and my day in his hands. I also find myself often singing the old hymns I grew up singing. Sometimes when I’m sad I force myself to sing songs that don’t start out feeling very worshipful that completely change my emotions until they turn into songs of praise. I’m often grateful that no one but God has to hear my early morning voice, but I love that no matter what my voice sounds like, to God it is beautiful music.
When I am focused too much on my circumstances, I like to stop, list, and thank God for everything I have. It’s a simple but long list. I thank him for a roof over my head, that I have a house that is safe and pretty, that I have a bed to sleep him and can be warm and dry when it’s raining and cool enough when it’s hot outside. I thank him for a washer and a dryer and clean clothes – more clothes than I begin to need. I add a refrigerator filled with good to the list, a stove to cook it on, a sink with running water and dishes to wash. I have a car to drive and a computer to check my e-mail, a television to watch, a radio to hear Christian music and live in a country where I worship freely. It doesn’t take long to change my attitude.
One last way I’ll share is when I see the sunrise or sunset I thank God for painting the sky for me. When I am running, I see flowers and thank God for his creativity. It turns my run into worship – I thank him for my ability to run, for giving me the motivation, for making my body his temple.
I am in no way perfect in the way I worship or in my remembering to worship sometimes – but when I do, I feel God. He delights in your worship, my friends, no matter what from it takes. Don’t wait for an occasion, for Sunday, or for blessings – just worship – God inhabits the praises of his people!
Today's very late post was submitted by Carol Bartels
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2081,88,92-93&version=NIV
The Psalms in today’s reading brings to mind the question of why and when do you worship God?
Psalm 81 is written as worship during a festival song. Israel celebrated various religious festivals annually as a significant part of their faith. The festivals were a time of celebration, remembrance and recommitment. How do we celebrate, remember, and recommit today?
Psalm 88 is an example of worshipping in the middle of a storm.
Psalm 92 is a morning hymn of praise – written to be sung at the time of the morning sacrifice.
Psalm 93 is a worship of the sovereign God of all creation – I picture the psalmist looking out at the sea – observing the power of the waves – and responding in worship.
We don’t have to wait for God to bless us to thank him. We don’t have to wait until our circumstances improve to praise him. We don’t have to wait until Sunday to see praise or for our daily quiet time to pray. We can walk through our days in thankfulness of praise.
So what I’d like to know is how do you worship? Not how do you worship in church, but how do you worship outside of church? I’ll share some of my, shall we say ‘creative’ ways of worship – and I’d love it if you’d share yours.
In the mornings when I get ready, sometimes I turn off my radio and make up hymns of praise that recount to God – and to my own heart – everything that he is that makes him worthy of praise. For me it is a great way of putting God in the proper place – on his throne – and me at his feet. It reminds me of his wisdom and sovereignty, his unfailing love and faithfulness, and helps me rest in the knowledge that he holds me and my day in his hands. I also find myself often singing the old hymns I grew up singing. Sometimes when I’m sad I force myself to sing songs that don’t start out feeling very worshipful that completely change my emotions until they turn into songs of praise. I’m often grateful that no one but God has to hear my early morning voice, but I love that no matter what my voice sounds like, to God it is beautiful music.
When I am focused too much on my circumstances, I like to stop, list, and thank God for everything I have. It’s a simple but long list. I thank him for a roof over my head, that I have a house that is safe and pretty, that I have a bed to sleep him and can be warm and dry when it’s raining and cool enough when it’s hot outside. I thank him for a washer and a dryer and clean clothes – more clothes than I begin to need. I add a refrigerator filled with good to the list, a stove to cook it on, a sink with running water and dishes to wash. I have a car to drive and a computer to check my e-mail, a television to watch, a radio to hear Christian music and live in a country where I worship freely. It doesn’t take long to change my attitude.
One last way I’ll share is when I see the sunrise or sunset I thank God for painting the sky for me. When I am running, I see flowers and thank God for his creativity. It turns my run into worship – I thank him for my ability to run, for giving me the motivation, for making my body his temple.
I am in no way perfect in the way I worship or in my remembering to worship sometimes – but when I do, I feel God. He delights in your worship, my friends, no matter what from it takes. Don’t wait for an occasion, for Sunday, or for blessings – just worship – God inhabits the praises of his people!
Today's very late post was submitted by Carol Bartels
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