Daily Searchlight. Tuesday, September 16th, 2014. PATIENCE: A NECESSARY VIRTUE IN WORSHIPPING GOD. Text: Joshua 8:33-35; James 1:21,22. Meditative Verse: And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. - Joshua 8:34 (KJV) As the Isrealites gathered on mount Ebal, it would be observed that the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the centre of the assembly. This was a symbol of the presence of God among His people. Their gathering was not around any idol but around the Ark containing the law. Again, their gathering was not for any pysical jamboree as it is done today in many worship centres. Whenever we gather for worship as believers, God is in the midst to bless and answer prayers. Therefore, we should also show due regards for His presence as such patiently waiting to hear what His minister have to tell us as He commanded them. Jesus said, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20 KJV). There is great power and blessing in corporate worship because of the presence of God among His people. Therefore, we should not trivialize or regard regular gathering of Gods people for worship as mere routine. We should reawaken our first love for the presence of God in our lives. Similarly, we must rediscover our lost zeal for evangelism. The good old habit of bringing visitors, friends and acquaintances to the church programmes should be renewed. It is also commendable that the children of Isreal patiently waited while Joshua raised the altar, as seen from our text. Worshipping God in Spirit and truth requires patience in harmony with concentration. Those who come to Gods presence but, at the same time, are in a haste to rush out cannot find their worship real or even acceptable. Unnecessary haste to leave the fellowship meetings will definitely rob worshippers of essential blessings from the Lord. We must learn to wait upon the Lord and allow Him to have His way in our lives. Though we should avoid needless waste of time during fellowship meetings, we must also avoid the other extreme: where we rush over important details of worship and devotion to God. Joshua was faithful in teaching all the words of the law. He did not diminish or add to what Moses handed over to him. The patience of the people paved the way for the faithfulness of Joshua. As we wait patiently before God, His ministers will have oppurtunity to speak and teach all that He has commanded them to give unto us. Joshua could teach all that Moses commanded him to the people because they waited and gave him the oppurtunity to do so. Similarly, we must ensure that we dont become stumbling block to the ministers of God in any way. We must be doers of the word, not hearers only (James 1:21,24,25). Prayers: I submit to Your presence in every fellowship meeting I attend. Patiently, I will reverence what You will say to me through Your ministers. Give me grace. In Jesus name. Amen. Further Reading: Hebrews 10:25 apemfaith@gmail All Copyrights Reserved DS16092014 We wish you a thrilling Tuesday.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 23:52:30 +0000