Go To Church!

What is your primary focus during worship? Are you thinking about God, or yourself, or all the other things that tumble around our minds?

Some of my most precious Sunday memories are meaty discussions in Sunday School, singing in the choir, playing the piano during worship, and having lunch with friends afterward.

The early Christians devoted themselves to the concepts and practices of these verses. That means they planned, scheduled, and looked forward to going to church and fellowshipping with other Believers afterward.  Friends not only had lunch with one another, but they also broke bread. The word used here for breaking bread can be translated as “Eucharist”. That word tells us they followed Jesus’ command in Luke 22:19. They took communion. They didn’t have restaurants and fast food like we do, they went to one another’s homes. I imagine this was like a carry-in dinner every day. How do I know it was every day. Because the scripture says, And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. 

They were joyful. Joyfulness is a deep-rooted, inspired happiness.  It comes from deep inner contentment and satisfaction. Only God and knowing God can produce real joy. When we receive the Holy Spirit all the fruit of God is produced in us. Ephesians 5:22-23 gives us the list. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  

They also had humble attitudes. It’s really important that we understand what humility and being humble really means. The Oxford English Dictionary says it is having a low estimate of one’s importance, worthiness, or merits. OK. Then Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary adds – not assertive, ranking low in a hierarchy, and insignificant. That is not at all what Luke was talking about. That’s definitely a worldly view of the humble person but, the Biblical view is quite different. In the Word, humbleness is about putting others first. Not just people but God, too. They absolutely loved to worship God.

Since many think worship only occurs one day a week and for many that means Sunday I want to ask how often you worship and if worship is a joyful time for you?

Ray and I used to travel to the Smokey Mountains every year during Spring Break. For many years we were often traveling on Easter Week. Since we choose not to drive the whole distance in one day we usually stop in Richmond, Kentucky on Saturday night and attend church on Sunday morning. Yes, worship is that important to us. We want to be with other Christians on Sunday. So for us, and for many of you, worship is as necessary as getting fresh milk and bread each week.

God’s plan also was to use the Sabbath to turn our hearts and minds toward Him. In other words, He wants us to set aside one day of the week as a special time of rest,worship, and reflection on His Word. After all, if we ignore God on that day when else are we likely to turn to Him? We get busy and preoccupied with daily living — and end up leaving God out of the picture. God’s plan is clear: “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Deuteronomy 5:12).

We are not to neglect fellowshipping with the Body of Christ. That’s the church, my friends. Does that mean you won’t go to heaven if you don’t go to church? No, but it does mean that we’ll miss the blessings of obedience to His Word and serving alongside other Believers.

Why are fewer people committed to going to church? I know you all know this, but we live in an ‘all-about-me’ society.  Personal preferences are outweighing obedience to God’s Word. Theology has become Me-ology. Many worship services are more like a Broadway Show than a sincere focus on God.  Comments like I don’t like the music… To many old hymns… Guitars and drums don’t make it… I don’t like the pastor’s preaching… It’s too long…  I’m not comfortable… It makes me wonder if a sanctuary of recliners would bring more people in?  No matter the issue – when things like this come between whether or not we’re going to church on Sunday we’ve definitely become “all about me” worshippers.

So what can we do about it? First of all, don’t just say it’s all about God – make it all about God.

Make worship a priority. Write it in your planner. No excuses. Commit to it!

Pray. Before attending, whether that is the night before or the morning of, pray that you will put God first. Ask Him to speak to you. Pray for others who will be attending. Just pray.  Upon entering the church, perhaps while walking through the church parking lot, pray for those who are worshipping with you, pray for the unbelievers who will be attending. Pray that all distractions are removed so it can be totally about God. Pray that God will give your pastor the words you need to hear and that your heart and mind will be open to hearing them.

Go to church Sunday! If you have never attended a church, find one. If you’re saying I can’t go to church or I’m not a Believer or I don’t even know if they’d want me. Oh, yes, we want you! Join us!

Sunday Psalms 13

Psalm 13

LORD, have You forgotten me? Why are You hiding? I have no words. I am completely covered in sadness. My enemies seem to be winning.

LORD, hear me. Think of me. I can’t sleep. I need Your protection from the bullies around me.

I trust You! I know You love me! You have saved me. You have given me so much.

I will sing of Your love forever!

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

Casseroles and Cats

Chewy has decided he (and Ebony) like the spaces my office provides. They can be found resting in my comfy reading chair, bathing on my desk chair, sitting in the window, and demanding my attention when I’m trying to work. (Sandpaper kisses always work!)

I tried a super simple recipe for a gathering we were having with friends.  I thought, no one has said they will bring dessert so I better come up with something.  Usually, Ray doesn’t like me to experiment in the food area when we have guests.  He had to agree, this was worth it.  All it lacked was a scoop of ice cream.  You can use any kind of fresh or frozen fruit with this.

Blueberry Cookie Casserole Yummmmmmmmm!

4 cups blueberries, rinsed and tossed in 1/4 cup sugar.  Put this into your sprayed, slow cooker.  Open a package of Sugar Cookie Mix and sprinkle the whole thing on top of the fruit.  Slice 1 stick of butter and dot the top.  Put the lid on and cook for 2 1/2 hours on High.

Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2 ERV

As I pondered these words I realized I was doing just that, letting those around me affect my thoughts. I love my cats and there are many who don’t understand why. They give me great joy and happiness as I watch them play and live life exactly as a cat should. I also love to eat and although I currently watch my diet very carefully, eating only foods that have no sugar or wheat, I do not let that stop me from enjoying my food. (Yes, I know the above recipe doesn’t reflect that because it is from several years ago, but it’s still a good recipe.)

God does not want us to base our lives on what others think or what we think they think. He wants us to enjoy the life He’s given us.

Blessings and success to you and yours!

Marie

Sunday Psalm 12

Psalm 12

LORD, there is so much dishonesty, so many who lie.

It seems like no one is Godly, no one is faithful.

Abba, stop those who boast and lie. Stifle those who think that just because they said it, it is good.

GOD has heard the poor and needy. He will provide a safe place.

He always does what He says.

ALWAYS!

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

Small Stuff

Years ago, a book called Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff was recommended to me. I immediately didn’t like the title. First, I’m a personality that believes everything matters. Secondly, the One and Only God does not ignore the ‘small staff’.

God’s story is full of the ‘small stuff’. God used the cry of a baby to start the process of freeing the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 2:1-10). David was just a little boy when he put the small stone in the sling and killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17). One boy’s lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish fed 5000 men plus their families with 12 baskets left over (John 6). A rope kept the spies sent by Joshua into Jerico from being captured; consequently, that rope kept Rahab and her family safe from the invading Israelite army (Joshua 2 and 6:22-26). Paul was let down in a basket (Acts 9:23-25).

Never consider the small things worthless. God is exalted in both the small and the big stuff. He was able to create the universe with a word. 10 Commandments govern all His people. A tiny mustard seed becomes a ‘tree’ that can grow to 20 ft.

God cares about every small and large part of our lives. We need only trust Him!