Why I Worship

What Is Worship, Why Do We Worship, How to Worship

I Have The Evidence!

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Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.”

This time of the year brings feelings from all ranges of the emotional spectrum. We spend time thinking about the year that is passing (either with regret or fulfillment) and we look to the year that is to come (either with excitement or dread).

Which will you be this year? If you know Jesus, you have a choice.

You can look at the year that is passing with the assurance that whatever mistakes you’ve made are covered by the blood of Jesus and the grace of our Father.You can also know that those mistakes and failures will ultimately be woven into the fabric of the destiny and purpose that God has designed for you. Romans 8:28 tells us that “All things” good and bad, work together for a good outcome for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Then you can look at the coming year with the knowledge that God has a plan for your life and whatever current circumstance you find yourself in is only temporary. You can know that, since you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God, you have hope that there is a future for you. In Jeremiah 29:11 God says to His children, “for I know the plans I have for you; plans for good and not evil; to give you a future and a hope.”

As you come to this time of seeing the old year leave and the new year come, remember this; there can be no faith without hope. Faith can only be “the substance” of the things you have hope for.

What are you hoping for in the coming months?

I encourage you to allow the hope of God to rise up within you for the things He has designed for you and then exercise the faith He has given you to see those things come to pass in the coming year.

Your thoughts?

Sometimes You’ve Just Gotta Sing!

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Imagine with me, if you will, the strangest or most exciting  news you could possibly receive… “You’ve won the lottery!” “You got the job!” “You’re getting a raise.” “We’re going to be parents!”

How about this…”Do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and His power will overshadow you. You will conceive a son and he will be called the Son of God.”

Ummm… Ok?

You’re not married. You have not been intimate with a man. You are engaged but… this is NOT going to look good to the locals. There will be questions. There will be curious looks. There will be gossip. There will be doubts.

What do you do? Well, in Mary’s case, you sing!

In Luke 1:46-48, Mary sings “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.”

Mary must have known how this was going to be perceived. She must have known that this was going to be a hard story for most people to swallow. She must have even known that for the man she had promised herself to for life, Joseph, this was going to really be a test. Still she sings… a song of faith… a song of gratitude… a song of trust that there is a plan that is much greater than the temporary hardships she faces.

What is God asking of you? What has He spoken to you that, in your mind, you cannot comprehend? What is your reaction? Do you fear the possible hardships and testing that it will take to attain the promise He has set before you? Do you complain that this will cause too much trouble? Or do you say as Mary did in verse 38 of Luke 1: “Let it be unto me according to your word.”

“Father, You are most faithful. I trust you with my life. Let it be unto me (TODAY) according to your word. Have your way in me today. I will sing of your faithfulness and goodness and I will tell of your favor toward me, you servant. Thank you for choosing this broken vessel to be used in the service of your kingdom.”

Where ever you find yourself today, know that God is looking on you with favor. He sees and he knows every trial, every hardship, every time you’ve cried and every time you’ve wondered if you could really make it. Sing your song to Him. Sing of His faithfulness to you.

Open your mouth and lift your voice… because sometimes you’ve just gotta sing!!!

Be blessed today.

WHAT DO YOU WANT?

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I can remember riding in the car with my mom and dad when I was a child and hearing my younger brother saying “mama…. mama….. mama…. mama….. mama…..” After this went on for several minutes, my mom would turn around with “that look” on her face and say “WHAT DO YOU WANT?”  My brother would reply “Um….. um….. um….” and she would say with even more aggravation in her voice “Why did you call me if you didn’t have anything to say?”

I think, many times, we approach God in this same manner. We come to Him and say things like “Father, please bless my family.” or “Lord, please do your will in my life.” and we really don’t come boldly to our Father (Heb 4:16).

Luke 18:35-43 tells us the story of a special day in the life of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus.

35 He came to the outskirts of Jericho. A blind man was sitting beside the road asking for handouts.36 When he heard the rustle of the crowd, he asked what was going on.37 They told him, “Jesus the Nazarene is going by.”38 He yelled, “Jesus! Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”39 Those ahead of Jesus told the man to shut up, but he only yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”40 Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought over. When he had come near, Jesus asked,41 “What do you want from me?” He said, “Master, I want to see again.”42 Jesus said, “Go ahead—see again! Your faith has saved and healed you!”43 The healing was instant: He looked up, seeing—and then followed Jesus, glorifying God. Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God.

Notice that Bartimaeus did not timidly ask for the Lord to “bless him” or “meet his need.” When Jesus asked him “What do you want from me?” he boldly said “Master, I want to see again!” I wonder if Jesus already knew he was blind. OF COURSE HE DID!!! So, why then did He ask? I believe there is a twofold reason. 1- God wants us to look at ourselves and judge ourselves (1 Cor 11:31) and then come to him for forgiveness and cleansing. He will not fix what we do not acknowledge. And 2- God will not release to us what we will not pursue. When Bartimaeus began to cry out, everyone told him to be quiet, but the scripture says the he “Cried out all the more.” Notice in this passage that there was a crowd gathered to see and hear Jesus that day, but there is no mention of anyone else receiving anything from Him. Could it be that it’s because he was the only one who cried out?

What are you asking God for today? Is it worth you loosing respect from the people around you? Is it worth you going against the grain of what everyone else thinks you should be doing? Is it worth you “Crying out all the more?”

I encourage you today to passionately pursue those things that you desire from your Father. Judge yourself and then allow Him to reveal His purpose in your life.

Comments welcome!!!

Be Blessed!!