"Reverence"
Ruth 2:1-4:22
John 4:43-54
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 14:26-27
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death." (Prov. 14:26-27)
In the dictionary "reverence" means "A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love." Looking at today's verse from Proverbs, I'm challenged to rate myself on the "reverence scale". Do I have "reverence" for God?
We have the privilege and benefit of being New Testament believers. We understand that we can "boldly approach the throne of grace." The danger in stating "I am a friend of God" is that we can turn it in to a very casual thing and lose the sense of reverencing God. That's not supposed to happen. Yes, Jesus died on the cross to bridge the gap between God and man, but in no way did that make God less holy, nor did it negate the fact that we need to reverence him.
As I read these verses today I was looking at the "benefit" of reverence.
"Deep strength". Do I want that? Who doesn't! What I think of is the ability to remain stable in any storm. The Christian life can have storms. I don't think that comes to anyone as a shock. As we mature in Christ, these storms should not have as great effect on us as they did before. We should increase our stability. This comes through reverencing God. Reverencing God is not walking into his kitchen throwing open his fridge, and drinking a miracle from the carton. Reverencing God is trusting him in any situation to equip us with what we need to carry out his will.
"... his children have a place of refuge and security." Do I want that for my daughter? You bet I do! I don't know if you've seen children who do not have this safety and security. They walk through life as if they're carrying a suitcase full of rocks of fear and insecurity. Peace is hard to find. When I have reverence for God, I am not only finding my strength, I am paving the road to peace for those around me.
"... a fountain of life; it's waters keep a man from death." Sound good? count me in! The "fountain of youth" seemed to be the plot of a bunch of different shows when I was a kid. Everyone wants to find the "magical" formula to cheat death. The truth is that the fountain of life is found in Reverence for God. No, it wont necessarily keep you "young", and you may still get wrinkles, but you will experience life more abundantly!
I cannot find a reason why I wouldn't want to reverence God. As I try to think of what holds me back from it, all I can come up with is the issue of "forgetfulness". I think we just "forget" to reverence him. When I don't show him reverence, I do things my own way. I treat his laws casually. I don't walk in obedience, and I don't discipline myself to study the Word. If I want to Live the DREAM, I must reverence the Lord.
Show Him Reverence today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Showing posts with label Reverence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reverence. Show all posts
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 6, 2010
5.6.10 "Reverence"
"Reverence"
Ruth 2:1-4:22
John 4:43-54
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 14:26-27
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death." (Prov. 14:26-27)
In the dictionary "reverence" means "A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love." Looking at today's verse from Proverbs, I'm challenged to rate myself on the "reverence scale". Do I have "reverence" for God?
We have the privilege and benefit of being New Testament believers. We understand that we can "boldly approach the throne of grace." The danger in stating "I am a friend of God" is that we can turn it in to a very casual thing and lose the sense of reverencing God. That's not supposed to happen. Yes, Jesus died on the cross to bridge the gap between God and man, but in no way did that make God less holy, nor did it negate the fact that we need to reverence him.
As I read these verses today I was looking at the "benefit" of reverence.
"Deep strength". Do I want that? Who doesn't! What I think of is the ability to remain stable in any storm. The Christian life can have storms. I don't think that comes to anyone as a shock. As we mature in Christ, these storms should not have as great effect on us as they did before. We should increase our stability. This comes through reverencing God. Reverencing God is not walking into his kitchen throwing open his fridge, and drinking a miracle from the carton. Reverencing God is trusting him in any situation to equip us with what we need to carry out his will.
"... his children have a place of refuge and security." Do I want that for my daughter? You bet I do! I don't know if you've seen children who do not have this safety and security. They walk through life as if they're carrying a suitcase full of rocks of fear and insecurity. Peace is hard to find. When I have reverence for God, I am not only finding my strength, I am paving the road to peace for those around me.
"... a fountain of life; it's waters keep a man from death." Sound good? count me in! The "fountain of youth" seemed to be the plot of a bunch of different shows when I was a kid. Everyone wants to find the "magical" formula to cheat death. The truth is that the fountain of life is found in Reverence for God. No, it wont necessarily keep you "young", and you may still get wrinkles, but you will experience life more abundantly!
I cannot find a reason why I wouldn't want to reverence God. As I try to think of what holds me back from it, all I can come up with is the issue of "forgetfulness". I think we just "forget" to reverence him. When I don't show him reverence, I do things my own way. I treat his laws casually. I don't walk in obedience, and I don't discipline myself to study the Word. If I want to Live the DREAM, I must reverence the Lord.
Show Him Reverence today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ruth 2:1-4:22
John 4:43-54
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 14:26-27
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death." (Prov. 14:26-27)
In the dictionary "reverence" means "A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love." Looking at today's verse from Proverbs, I'm challenged to rate myself on the "reverence scale". Do I have "reverence" for God?
We have the privilege and benefit of being New Testament believers. We understand that we can "boldly approach the throne of grace." The danger in stating "I am a friend of God" is that we can turn it in to a very casual thing and lose the sense of reverencing God. That's not supposed to happen. Yes, Jesus died on the cross to bridge the gap between God and man, but in no way did that make God less holy, nor did it negate the fact that we need to reverence him.
As I read these verses today I was looking at the "benefit" of reverence.
"Deep strength". Do I want that? Who doesn't! What I think of is the ability to remain stable in any storm. The Christian life can have storms. I don't think that comes to anyone as a shock. As we mature in Christ, these storms should not have as great effect on us as they did before. We should increase our stability. This comes through reverencing God. Reverencing God is not walking into his kitchen throwing open his fridge, and drinking a miracle from the carton. Reverencing God is trusting him in any situation to equip us with what we need to carry out his will.
"... his children have a place of refuge and security." Do I want that for my daughter? You bet I do! I don't know if you've seen children who do not have this safety and security. They walk through life as if they're carrying a suitcase full of rocks of fear and insecurity. Peace is hard to find. When I have reverence for God, I am not only finding my strength, I am paving the road to peace for those around me.
"... a fountain of life; it's waters keep a man from death." Sound good? count me in! The "fountain of youth" seemed to be the plot of a bunch of different shows when I was a kid. Everyone wants to find the "magical" formula to cheat death. The truth is that the fountain of life is found in Reverence for God. No, it wont necessarily keep you "young", and you may still get wrinkles, but you will experience life more abundantly!
I cannot find a reason why I wouldn't want to reverence God. As I try to think of what holds me back from it, all I can come up with is the issue of "forgetfulness". I think we just "forget" to reverence him. When I don't show him reverence, I do things my own way. I treat his laws casually. I don't walk in obedience, and I don't discipline myself to study the Word. If I want to Live the DREAM, I must reverence the Lord.
Show Him Reverence today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
8.18.9 "The Danger of the Familiar"
"The Danger of the Familiar"
Esther 1:1-3:15
I Corinthians 11:17-34
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 21:19-20
Today's reading in I Corinthians is a familiar portion of scripture to many, especially verses 23-30. These are the verses used during a communion service.
In this section Paul is rebuking the Corinthian church for what they've done to the communion service. By the nature of his writing, it's clear that they have been celebrating the communion service on a regular basis. That's a good thing, right? Not really. Somehow over time, the familiarity of the "ritual" has caused the focus to be lost. In verse 17 Paul says, "... it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together for your communion services."
How does a communion service cause more harm than good? There are several reasons, but one is the danger of the familiar. You know what it's like. There are verses you've heard thousands of times. What do they mean to you? "For God so loved the world...." "Go ye into all the world...." "Do this in remembrance of me..."
It's so easy to allow the teaching of the word, and even the practices of the church become mere rituals because we forget what it really means. We get caught in the routine of life and numbed to our purpose, and what God has done for us. How thankful are you today that you know Christ? Have you become so accustomed to being in the light that you've forgotten the loneliness of the darkness?
"Take this and eat it. This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." Do you remember the setting? Do you remember what was at stake? Do you remember the agony of "his only son".
"This cup is the new agreement between God and you that has been established and set in motion by my blood." Look at your wrist. Imagine a spike being driven through it. Imagine the blood you would lose. Remember the one who went through that for the purpose of setting in motion a new covenant between you and God... so you could be right with God.
What happens when you just go the ritual motions of communion? Do you sense the danger of apathy creeping in? It's like a silent killer gradually snuffing out the flame of gratefulness and reverence.
What happens in your heart as you truly take the time to remember? What posture do you have in your spirit when you really consider what Christ has done for you?
Isn't it humbling? There's an old song that says:
Who am I that The King would bleed and die for?
Who am I that He would pray not my will, but Thine Lord?
The answer I may never know
Why He ever loved me so
That to an old rugged cross He'd go
For who am I?
What happens to us when we genuinely remember? It humbles us. We're in awe of his love. Maybe that's why we become casual about these things. We don't like to be in that humble position.
Paul says in verse 26 "For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup you are re-telling the message of the Lord's death, that he has died for you. Do this until he comes again."
If you are re-telling this message, is there any time that it should be unimportant? is there any time that it should be casual?
Can you see the importance of guarding against the dangers of the familiar? This doesn't only apply to communion. It applies to worship, the preaching of the word, all areas of the Christian walk.
As we mature in true Godly humility we can better keep the course the Lord has laid out for us. When we remember our mission, our purpose, and above all what Christ has done for us, then we will truly guard ourselves from eating and drinking in an "unworthy manner."
Take time today to examine your heart, your motives, your actions. You may not have the opportunity to have a formal communion service, but wherever you are at, you can truly thank Jesus for the price he paid.
Thank you Lord for what you've done!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Esther 1:1-3:15
I Corinthians 11:17-34
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 21:19-20
Today's reading in I Corinthians is a familiar portion of scripture to many, especially verses 23-30. These are the verses used during a communion service.
In this section Paul is rebuking the Corinthian church for what they've done to the communion service. By the nature of his writing, it's clear that they have been celebrating the communion service on a regular basis. That's a good thing, right? Not really. Somehow over time, the familiarity of the "ritual" has caused the focus to be lost. In verse 17 Paul says, "... it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together for your communion services."
How does a communion service cause more harm than good? There are several reasons, but one is the danger of the familiar. You know what it's like. There are verses you've heard thousands of times. What do they mean to you? "For God so loved the world...." "Go ye into all the world...." "Do this in remembrance of me..."
It's so easy to allow the teaching of the word, and even the practices of the church become mere rituals because we forget what it really means. We get caught in the routine of life and numbed to our purpose, and what God has done for us. How thankful are you today that you know Christ? Have you become so accustomed to being in the light that you've forgotten the loneliness of the darkness?
"Take this and eat it. This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." Do you remember the setting? Do you remember what was at stake? Do you remember the agony of "his only son".
"This cup is the new agreement between God and you that has been established and set in motion by my blood." Look at your wrist. Imagine a spike being driven through it. Imagine the blood you would lose. Remember the one who went through that for the purpose of setting in motion a new covenant between you and God... so you could be right with God.
What happens when you just go the ritual motions of communion? Do you sense the danger of apathy creeping in? It's like a silent killer gradually snuffing out the flame of gratefulness and reverence.
What happens in your heart as you truly take the time to remember? What posture do you have in your spirit when you really consider what Christ has done for you?
Isn't it humbling? There's an old song that says:
Who am I that The King would bleed and die for?
Who am I that He would pray not my will, but Thine Lord?
The answer I may never know
Why He ever loved me so
That to an old rugged cross He'd go
For who am I?
What happens to us when we genuinely remember? It humbles us. We're in awe of his love. Maybe that's why we become casual about these things. We don't like to be in that humble position.
Paul says in verse 26 "For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup you are re-telling the message of the Lord's death, that he has died for you. Do this until he comes again."
If you are re-telling this message, is there any time that it should be unimportant? is there any time that it should be casual?
Can you see the importance of guarding against the dangers of the familiar? This doesn't only apply to communion. It applies to worship, the preaching of the word, all areas of the Christian walk.
As we mature in true Godly humility we can better keep the course the Lord has laid out for us. When we remember our mission, our purpose, and above all what Christ has done for us, then we will truly guard ourselves from eating and drinking in an "unworthy manner."
Take time today to examine your heart, your motives, your actions. You may not have the opportunity to have a formal communion service, but wherever you are at, you can truly thank Jesus for the price he paid.
Thank you Lord for what you've done!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
5.6.9 "Reverence"
"Reverence"
Ruth 2:1-4:22
John 4:43-54
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 14:26-27
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death." (Prov. 14:26-27)
In the dictionary "reverence" means "A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love." Looking at today's verse from Proverbs, I'm challenged to rate myself on the "reverence scale". Do I have "reverence" for God?
We have the privilege and benefit of being New Testament believers. We understand that we can "boldly approach the throne of grace." The danger in stating "I am a friend of God" is that we can turn it in to a very casual thing and lose the sense of reverencing God. That's not supposed to happen. Yes, Jesus died on the cross to bridge the gap between God and man, but in no way did that make God less holy, nor did it negate the fact that we need to reverence him.
As I read these verses today I was looking at the "benefit" of reverence.
"Deep strength". Do I want that? Who doesn't! What I think of is the ability to remain stable in any storm. The Christian life can have storms. I don't think that comes to anyone as a shock. As we mature in Christ, these storms should not have as great effect on us as they did before. We should increase our stability. This comes through reverencing God. Reverencing God is not walking into his kitchen throwing open his fridge, and drinking a miracle from the carton. Reverencing God is trusting him in any situation to equip us with what we need to carry out his will.
"... his children have a place of refuge and security." Do I want that for my daughter? You bet I do! I don't know if you've seen children who do not have this safety and security. They walk through life as if they're carrying a suitcase full of rocks of fear and insecurity. Peace is hard to find. When I have reverence for God, I am not only finding my strength, I am paving the road to peace for those around me.
"... a fountain of life; it's waters keep a man from death." Sound good? count me in! The "fountain of youth" seemed to be the plot of a bunch of different shows when I was a kid. Everyone wants to find the "magical" formula to cheat death. The truth is that the fountain of life is found in Reverence for God. No, it wont necessarily keep you "young", and you may still get wrinkles, but you will experience life more abundantly!
I cannot find a reason why I wouldn't want to reverence God. As I try to think of what holds me back from it, all I can come up with is the issue of "forgetfulness". I think we just "forget" to reverence him. When I don't show him reverence, I do things my own way. I treat his laws casually. I don't walk in obedience, and I don't discipline myself to study the Word. If I want to Live the DREAM, I must reverence the Lord.
Show Him Reverence today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ruth 2:1-4:22
John 4:43-54
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 14:26-27
"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security. Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death." (Prov. 14:26-27)
In the dictionary "reverence" means "A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love." Looking at today's verse from Proverbs, I'm challenged to rate myself on the "reverence scale". Do I have "reverence" for God?
We have the privilege and benefit of being New Testament believers. We understand that we can "boldly approach the throne of grace." The danger in stating "I am a friend of God" is that we can turn it in to a very casual thing and lose the sense of reverencing God. That's not supposed to happen. Yes, Jesus died on the cross to bridge the gap between God and man, but in no way did that make God less holy, nor did it negate the fact that we need to reverence him.
As I read these verses today I was looking at the "benefit" of reverence.
"Deep strength". Do I want that? Who doesn't! What I think of is the ability to remain stable in any storm. The Christian life can have storms. I don't think that comes to anyone as a shock. As we mature in Christ, these storms should not have as great effect on us as they did before. We should increase our stability. This comes through reverencing God. Reverencing God is not walking into his kitchen throwing open his fridge, and drinking a miracle from the carton. Reverencing God is trusting him in any situation to equip us with what we need to carry out his will.
"... his children have a place of refuge and security." Do I want that for my daughter? You bet I do! I don't know if you've seen children who do not have this safety and security. They walk through life as if they're carrying a suitcase full of rocks of fear and insecurity. Peace is hard to find. When I have reverence for God, I am not only finding my strength, I am paving the road to peace for those around me.
"... a fountain of life; it's waters keep a man from death." Sound good? count me in! The "fountain of youth" seemed to be the plot of a bunch of different shows when I was a kid. Everyone wants to find the "magical" formula to cheat death. The truth is that the fountain of life is found in Reverence for God. No, it wont necessarily keep you "young", and you may still get wrinkles, but you will experience life more abundantly!
I cannot find a reason why I wouldn't want to reverence God. As I try to think of what holds me back from it, all I can come up with is the issue of "forgetfulness". I think we just "forget" to reverence him. When I don't show him reverence, I do things my own way. I treat his laws casually. I don't walk in obedience, and I don't discipline myself to study the Word. If I want to Live the DREAM, I must reverence the Lord.
Show Him Reverence today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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