Thank You, my Friend
I am ashamed to say that I’ve been a Christian long enough that admittedly, sometimes when I go to a worship service I’m just going out of obedience and going through the motions. Ritual. Tradition. I enjoy the fellowship, the music, and the sermons, but occasionally my heart is just not in it. I’m preoccupied, or I’m worried about something, or I’m thinking about all the things I need to get done.
This morning was not one of those mornings. I prayed before I left home. God, help me to truly worship You today and thank You for what you did on the cross for me. Lord, I can’t do anything right without You. I even need Your help to worship in a way that will be pleasing and honoring to you.
I wasn’t disappointed. God’s presence was in our midst. Our gratefulness was apparent in our music and in our response to the message today. I was overwhelmed when we sang Thank you for the Cross. I was moved as I heard the story of Jesus once again…His selfless servant attitude, His suffering, His love for me. His total, unconditional love for me. A love that manifested itself through His suffering and death for my sins. A love that never changes – even when I do. A love that surpasses all understanding. God, the Creator, the Savior, the Messiah, the Almighty. A love that raised a dead man from the grave. A love that stays the same, even when I’m just going through the motions. Ritual. Tradition. He loves me through it all.
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, ... how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
" ...Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." James 2:23
"...know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4
Thank you for the cross, my Friend.
Labels: Personal Observations/Stories
thoughts from Ms.Green @ Sunday, April 12, 2009
6 Comments:
Ms. Green! My heart is rejoicing over this post! I have never met you nor you me, bnut since we are brother & sister in Christ, there is a bond that is immediately formed! We also had a wonderful Sonrise (!) service this morning & a great time of fellowship over breakfast & then a wonderful Resurrection sermon from our pastor! What a joy & honor to be His child. Also a tremendous responsibility that is a labor of love! (Mt.28:19f). May the Lord bless you!!!!!!!!!!!!
David Wyatt's comment above is so true! There is a oneness that can be felt between spiritual brothers and sisters that knows no boundaries of race, color, financial standing or anything else. It can be felt and recognized! Praise the Lord! mom2
Mom2,
I believe that "oneness" is the Holy Spirit, Who dwells in all true believers. He connects us all.
Ms.Green, David, Mom2, Yes, the indwelling unifying presence of the Holy Spirit is Christ in us. God so wanted to have fellowship with us that he sent the greatest comforter and councilor to live and work miracles in our fallen lives . His indwelling character and nature allows us to fellowship with other believers, even as David said, "when we don't know each other", we have this spiritual knowing that can only be from a most Loving, Righteous, and Holy God. What great hope for mankind if only if only they would turn to him. God Bless, Herm
Indeed, friends. Hallelujah!
Oh, but please don't forget...there will be times when we don't 'feel' like our heart is in it, like we're just being obedient. That's b/c we're human & our emotions are not always trustworthy. God sees our heart, & God honors our obedience, even when our emotions aren't attached to it.
Jesus loves us, this we know.
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