Tag Archives: Christianity

Do I Dare?

Tomorrow’s Sunday School lesson which I am preparing to lead is entitled: The Decision Dare. And I am questioning myself do I dare put forth all my notes for discussion.

For my question: I am wondering have we done the church and possibly the world an injustice, damage even, by fostering the idea that worship is coming to church participating in singing, and listening to a preacher? Is that worship? Really what is worship?

First, we know worship must have an object to either receive the worship or at least something to which we give it.  Still, what is worship? And what are we giving to this something in worship?

We walk in. Sit down. Stand up. We sing a few songs. We sit down. We pass the plate. We throw in some money. We stand up. We shake hands. We sing some more. We sit down. We listen to a message. We sing another song. We go home. Is that worship?

We do this once a week. Some twice a week and some fanatics (of which I am one, for the most part) do it three times a week. Is that as often as worship occurs? Is that as often as GOD deserves? Is He pleased with that? Are you?

Happy Saturday, my Friends.

Lovingkindness

Psalm 136.

The Lovingkindness Psalm

26 verses and 26 times we read:

For His lovingkindness is everlasting

Another translation (21st Century King James) reads – 26 times:

for His mercy endureth for ever

If you have not read this Psalm lately, HERE is a link for your convenience to read it.

Even in the Hebrew lovingkindness pretty much means what you think – mercy, grace, love, kindness – all that in GOD proportion!! AWESOME!!

As I was reviewing the Hebrew word from which we derive our word ‘lovingkindness’ I noticed one of the characteristics of lovingkindness is “deeds of devotion”. 

Daily, forever, EVERLASTINGly  GOD does DEEDS OF DEVOTION toward us!! Even a secular dictionary gives devotion as this: Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person

Think of it!

GOD ALMIGHTY is enthusiastic about His devotion to YOU today! 

And today and forever – everlastingly

for YOU – every man, woman, boy and girl who has come to Him placing faith and trust in His SON, JESUS CHRIST, HE will be doing Deeds of Devotion – Deeds of Lovingkindness for YOU – today!

Would you, would I commit ourselves to looking for those deeds today and give Him praise for doing so?!

23 Who remembered us in our low estate,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting,

24 And has rescued us from our adversaries,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting;

25 Who gives food to all flesh,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

via Ps 136 NASB – Thanks for the LORD’S Goodness to – Bible Gateway.

ABBA, again today we give You praise for what You have done and are doing for Noah and his family. Thank You for Your lovingkindness to him. And I praise You, LORD, for the others, for the lovingkindness You are doing for them. And Richard comes to mind in this moment so I know You desire that we pray for him  –  You know his condition. The infection that has become so stubborn and relentless, wrecking havoc on his body. I am asking You, ABBA Father, to remove the infection completely from all his cells and tissues and for You to set him on his feet again; to restore him to his wife, family and friends who love him so much.  And there are others, so we come bringing all our sick and afflicted to You this day, asking that You heal them. Asking too that You rescue our rebellious and oblivious Ones; that You have mercy and give the grace and space to repent; that You woo them with Your lovingkindness, showing them the misery of their ways and turn their eyes and hearts to Your better way.  All this we ask, ABBA, in the Mighty and Holy Name of JESUS, Your Son and our Savior and LORD. And, ABBA, I dare not forget to pray for the peace of Israel and the subduing of all Her enemies and, ABBA, for each and every Dear Soul who comes here to read and pray today, I ask for grace for each of them to see and experience Your lovingkindness; for them to experience YOU today, to enjoy Your Company; that we will give You pleasure today, that we will bless You and bring smiles to Your Face and Laughter to You Holy Voice as You sing over us today.  Amen and amen.

We have the God-given Right to do right in this wrong World,

Small Beginnings

The first week is closing. Obviously, I have not found our groove yet, evidenced by a lack of posting – :) – nor a balance between accomplishments and going with the flow BUT we have had a good time!! And there have been some teachable moments.

Small Beginnings

Zechariah 4:7-9 The Message (MSG)

5-7The Messenger-Angel said, “Can’t you tell?”

“No, sir,” I said.

Then he said, “This is God’s Message to Zerubbabel: ‘You can’t force these things. They only come about through my Spirit,’ says God-of-the-Angel-Armies. ‘So, big mountain, who do you think you are? Next to Zerubbabel you’re nothing but a molehill. He’ll proceed to set the Cornerstone in place, accompanied by cheers: Yes! Yes! Do it!'”

8-10After that, the Word of God came to me: “Zerubbabel started rebuilding this Temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They’ll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place!”

Going back to the vision, the Messenger-Angel said, “The seven lamps are the eyes of God probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights.”

via Zechariah 4:7-9 MSG – The Messenger-Angel said, “Can’t – Bible Gateway.

Small Beginnings.

Don’t think I will be foolish enough to despise them.

How about you?

Prayers coveted.

Hopefully, see you Monday!! :)

We have the God-given Right to do right in this wrong World,

P.S. this is not an endorsement for The Message paraphrase — please daily read a good Translation of the Scriptures.

Father, thank You for this place to gather and I pray we are praying one for another. I pray we will not let the most important matters to life slip this summer – conversing and listening to YOU. As often we bring our sick and afflicted asking You to heal them. Sheila immediately comes to mind – thank You for her still-in-progress recovery – may today be a good and productive day for her. And there are others: Kerri, Dori, Noah, and others; each precious and in need of strength, wisdom, discernment, and encouragement, as they are desiring healthy bodies. And then the prodigals – truthfully, even needier than the sick – thank You for not giving up on them, help us not lose faith, ABBA. Thank You for keeping on with them and us in JESUS’ name. amen and amen.