I woke up this morning with this pouring from my heart: Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul; Break down every idol, cast out every foe; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies, And help me to make a complete sacrifice; I give up myself, and whatever I know; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Words by James Nicholson, 1872 (1828-1876)/ Music by William G. Fischer (1835-1912)
This song talks about idols ; not the kind we prop up in plain sight and bow down to, but things that get in the way of our relationship with God.
Ezekiel 20:19 “I am the Lord your God; follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” We are no longer under the strict laws of the Old Testament, but we are still implored to live a lifestyle that pleases God. Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” I have no gold, silver, bronze, or ornate wooden object that doubles as a god, but I have habits and things that I often put ahead of my time with God. Ezekiel 20:20 “Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.” One way to show my dedication to God is by attending church – but read into this more than it says. When I spend time with God whether in a house of worship or sitting on my floor at home – God craves that time with me and that’s where my faith is strengthened and my servant’s heart constructed. God teaches me what is best for me Isaiah 48:17 “This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
It’s Sunday, a day to celebrate life in the most extraordinary way – in worship and in honor and in reverence to God, the creator, the keeper, the sustainer of all things. Are you planning to be in the 25% of people who attend church 3 times each month? Or in the 40% who have attended church – um…sometime but the memory is vague? If you’re in the other 35%, why not try it today? There’s a church around the corner. Go to be encouraged. Go to be spiritually filled up after a draining week. Go because God loves you and longs to teach you what is best for you.
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
1 Corinthians 14:26 “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
Sometimes I wonder why God doesn’t take the desire from me to write this blog. Somehow I stumbled onto this passage of scripture and decided maybe it goes something like this: Psalm 71:18 “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” So if you’re reading this and wonder too. Now you know.
Because of Grace we Press On