When was the last time you shouted to the Lord? I had not attended a worship service in over a month. This one particular Sunday, I woke up early to talk the Lord over a cup of hot coffee. As I was sitting in bed waiting for Him to talk to me, I heard; "Get up and go to church." Like a child I whined at His comment, "But I don't want to." He said, "Go to church to praise me for I am the reason you should go." Well I pulled myself out of bed and into the hot shower. As I began to get dressed, I decided to go to church and have a date with Jesus. Here we go.
I was welcomed by my fellow brothers and sisters. It was like having a family reunion. The greetings were warm and inviting because when they said they missed me and were glad to see me, I felt their genuine love. The hugs were warm and inviting like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold windy day. It really melted my heart and overwhelmed me with a blessing from heaven.
The teaching was on praising God. Psalm 100:1 "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!"
Our pastor instructed us to do him a favor by standing up. He divided the church into five sections, next he instructed us that as he pointed to each section we were to shout to the Lord "Praise the Lord!" We went the first round and everyone in the congregation seemed a little uncomfortable as the shouts were not as loud as they could have been.
So, our pastor instructed us to try again. The next time around we were to raise our hands, shout, and shout loud. This time, he pointed in random rounds and the shouts and praises got louder and stronger. When the section was weak, he let us know it with love. It was exhilarating, refreshing, and cheerful.
Isn't that how church services are supposed to be though?
Most of us on Sunday mornings dread getting out of bed because it's our one day off. We go to church because it is in our routine. But God is so extra-ordinary, worthy to be praised, worth us SHOUTING His name. Yet, we are too good to do it.
There are many reasons why we should "Shout to the Lord!" His name is above ALL names, He provides for our every need, He leads us into peace, He guides us to make right decisions, He keeps us from harm when we don't even know it, and He died for us so we would escape the claws of sin and death.
Singing a hymn gives Him praise, turning on your radio (91.3 Hope FM) and singing praise and worship songs to Him about Him must please His heart. He wants to hear from you and me through our prayers and praise.
So as you are driving along in your car, vacuuming for the tenth time, or working long hours, take time to shout to the Lord praises for ALL He has done for you. This is the time of season for us to reflect on what we are thankful for, so take time to thank the One that has given you All that you have.
~Be encouraged by knowing there are those on the street that do not have what you have; be thankful for the small things as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment