Sunday morning retuning: God loves to use tool of tithing to fashion the hearts of His people. Little reveals our true intentions better than how we use our money. How is God using this in your life? If you were not with us Sunday to hear the sermon you can check it out here, along with some other valuable resources.
Praising is another tool God loves to use...
It occurred to me as I was preparing to lead worship Sunday that we were going to be singing the command many times, “O Praise Him”. The next thought that occurred was that some people might not feel like it. I want to lead them, and everyone else, to a place of worship, so I prayed about how I could connect with them and encourage them, rather that simply brow-beat to a point where they might resent my “encouragement”.
Then my anticipation of the potential angst increased as I thought about the transition into that from the video depiction of Psalm 148. I think this psalmist covers us all somewhere in there. Everyone is commanded to “Praise the Lord!” But what about when a command is not enough?
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As I wrestled with how to connect this to the ups and downs of living the Holy Spirit reminded me that there are many references in Scripture of people who struggled to let the praise flow due to their circumstances. Again, the Psalms come to mind. Truthfully, we have all been there at different points.
Then as I thought about the transition for the second song, I was reminded of the phrase "under your wings I will abide". Figuring that not everyone would have a clear mental picture of what that meant from the scriptural sense, I went looking for the verse spoke of it in the context that connected with this plea for God to assist our praise. No surprise this was found in the words of David. Psalm 17:6-9 NLT
David's confidence rested in the fact that he believed God would hear him. The reality is sometimes we struggle even to have that much faith. So, I invited those who were still struggling to find their voice of praise to at least pray for the face to be able to praise him soon.
I felt like it was a very genuine moment for us all. The kind of moment that pleases God, and creates an environment for us to honestly approach him with everything we are and have.
Have you been there lately? And that kind of moment, I'm mean. It is so important for us to be able to be raw before God. Please take a few moments today to be open and honest with your Savior. It's simple. We simply too often fail to take the time.
Jesus, help us to be honest with you about how are feeling. We get in trouble when we're afraid or at least unwilling to come clean before you. Teach us how to live in the placeWhere we quickly come back in the moment we realize we've grown cold toward you. In Jesus name. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
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