This morning I want to encourage you. Perhaps you're going through a tough time, perhaps things aren't as great as you would desire. Be patient, relax and let your rejoicing be in the Lord. Today may not be shaping up the way you would ideally want, and the storms of life may be taking their toll on you. I am in this phase as well, but as I prayed this morning, the lord lifted up my heart.
I began to see that God is purging me and preparing me for a greater glory. I began to see that indeed, he is faithful to ensure that I will not be tried beyond what I can handle. He hasn't promised me a life of "no trials or challenges", indeed he warned me they'll come, my faith will be tested....but that I should be cheerful, because I through God has overcome. I am a victor and I live in God as a triumphant child of his glory.
I knew within the inner man that I cannot afford to be led of my senses, considering what I can see rather than what I cannot see. For I live my life by the faith of God and not by my sight (senses). So I rejoice, I am boisterous because I know that at the end of this darkness is a great dawn. Just like Jesus went through a time of darkness - his betrayal, the cruel trials, the mockery, the denials, the beatings, the crucifixtion; he awoke victorious, to a new and blessed dawn.
From the mind's eye, everything seems like the weight of the world may be all on you, and that God has forsaken you. Be of good cheer child of God, these are just light afflictions. God has promised that they are temporary and are working for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Release your faith in God, rejoice that he's found you faithful to take you through your fire of refinement so that you can come out purified, precious and great.
Our God is worthy to be praised!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Singing or Sinning?
I have heard different kinds of preached messages with some of them having some interesting topics. Consider these: "Excuse me Lord, I have a question!", " Content in the Context of the Concept", and the one that drew my mind's eye, "Are you singing or sinning?". Before you allow your mind to wonder at the basis of such a message, hold your breath and check out this simple piece of scripture.
"By HIM (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of Praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name". Heb 13:15
Accordingly we are supposed to open our mouth, sing with grace in our hearts and praise God continually. Isn't it the Psalmist who beseeched everything that has breath to praise the Lord? Aren't we as Christians supposed to live a life of continous worship and thanksgiving to our God? Indeed we are! However we ought to realise one important thing; let your praising be BY HIM. What does this mean?
Simply put, let every song you sing be one that acknowledges Jesus' finished work on your behalf, sing with an understanding of what God through his son did for you in calvary. Before you utter those words in singing, read the lyrics again. Do they agree with what the Bible says concerning you? Do they indeed show forth the magnificence of God? If you don't know, then rather than plunge into a singing spree, check your Bible or ask your Pastor or some learned brother or sister.
Just like James warned us against praying amiss, Paul in his writings indirectly requests us not to sing amiss. In scriptures like Eph 5:19-20, Col 3:16 we are told that when we sing, let it be with an understanding of the Grace of God, giving thanks to his name for Jesus Christ. There are a number of songs called Gospel, which in reality are not Gospel. I mean, if we read the lyrics and consider the messages, indeed they are not "good news". Rather than depict the sovereignty and excellence of God and his manifest blessings to us through Christ, these songs do otherwise.
Gospel songs are supposed to be exactly what we call them; Gospel (good news)! Next time you listen to a song, or attempt to sing your favourite melody, stop to read the lyrics very well. Ponder the message and like a christian with a Berea attitude, check to ensure its concomitant with scripture truth. If you don't, you just may be sinning and not singing.
"By HIM (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of Praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name". Heb 13:15
Accordingly we are supposed to open our mouth, sing with grace in our hearts and praise God continually. Isn't it the Psalmist who beseeched everything that has breath to praise the Lord? Aren't we as Christians supposed to live a life of continous worship and thanksgiving to our God? Indeed we are! However we ought to realise one important thing; let your praising be BY HIM. What does this mean?
Simply put, let every song you sing be one that acknowledges Jesus' finished work on your behalf, sing with an understanding of what God through his son did for you in calvary. Before you utter those words in singing, read the lyrics again. Do they agree with what the Bible says concerning you? Do they indeed show forth the magnificence of God? If you don't know, then rather than plunge into a singing spree, check your Bible or ask your Pastor or some learned brother or sister.
Just like James warned us against praying amiss, Paul in his writings indirectly requests us not to sing amiss. In scriptures like Eph 5:19-20, Col 3:16 we are told that when we sing, let it be with an understanding of the Grace of God, giving thanks to his name for Jesus Christ. There are a number of songs called Gospel, which in reality are not Gospel. I mean, if we read the lyrics and consider the messages, indeed they are not "good news". Rather than depict the sovereignty and excellence of God and his manifest blessings to us through Christ, these songs do otherwise.
Gospel songs are supposed to be exactly what we call them; Gospel (good news)! Next time you listen to a song, or attempt to sing your favourite melody, stop to read the lyrics very well. Ponder the message and like a christian with a Berea attitude, check to ensure its concomitant with scripture truth. If you don't, you just may be sinning and not singing.
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