Greetings my friends. It is Sunday October 30TH 2022, and this is the day that our LORD has made. Let us rejoice. Let us be glad in it. Let us celebrate this great new day of believing, following, trusting, loving, and being more like our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Let us love our neighbor as ourself.
Last Sunday morning I preached my sermon – “Give & Take” – to my brothers and sisters of my church family. It was about seeking that perfect balance of giving (out) and taking (in) on this day-to-day journey. I struggled with that during my first 8 years on this journey.
Near the end of my sermon I played the official lyric video for Casting Crowns’ “Praise You In This Storm”. I really like the lyrics that read – “I’ll raise my hands, and praise the God – who gives and takes away.” That’s our God. He gives us what we need. He takes away from us what we don’t need. We must take from Him what He is giving to us. Our God has a lot to give to us. He’s given us a lot already, but there’s so much more to come. The best is yet to come. Are you ready to take what’s He’s giving you ? Do not miss out on His gifts to you. He’s got miracles for you.
This morning I get to sit down and take in God’s Good News as preached by my Pastor, and I preached about that last Sunday morning. I always enjoy preaching for my church family, but I definitely look forward those Sunday mornings when I can rest, listen, and absorb the Gospel. We’ll be showing our appreciation for our Pastor this morning in observance of Pastor Appreciation Month (every October).
Here on #SundayScripture I continue presenting my September 18TH 2022 sermon – “Good & Evil” – in its original written form. It’s based on 1 Peter 3:8-4:8, and it effectively wraps-up my First Peter message series which I began in 2021. Here’s Part 4:
You know it’s good to read – and sing – from the Book of Psalms. Put your own melody to the words. The Apostles quoted the Psalms. Our Lord Jesus quoted the Psalms. They lived out of them. We should live out of them. The Psalms are God’s inspired and given word. The Psalms are just as relevant today as they were a thousand years before Christ.
Early on in my journey I realized that while much of Scripture delivers words from God to man – the Psalms – they provide man with words to say and sing to God.
Can’t think of the right words at the time to say to God for what you need from Him ? Well to that I’d say that you’re trying too hard. “But Chris you don’t understand. When I talk to God it makes no sense.” Don’t worry about what makes sense or not. What makes no sense to you makes perfect sense to our all-knowing God. Just talk to him using normal words. You don’t need fancy words to talk to God. He knows what you’re saying. He knows what you’re thinking. He knows what you need. Tell Him. He loves to hear your voice.
Praise & Worship to our God must not just be a Sunday morning routine. It must be a daily routine – morning, afternoon, and evening. Talk to Him. Read verses of a Psalm to Him. Sing to Him. He must be first and center with each new day that He gives you on this journey.
Early on in my journey I realized that although I may be alone (no other people around) – I’m never lonely, for I’ve got our God right there with me. I’ve got the Holy Spirit within me. If you believe. If you follow. If you trust. If you love. Our God is with you always and forever.
(End of Part 4)
If you wish to learn more about the God I know then stay tuned to #SundayScripture. The best is yet to come !
Thank you for reading my blog for this day, and may:
The LORD bless you, and keep you.
The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
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