A couple of weeks ago Mark was preaching a sermon called "Why Church?" asking the question why God established the church and why that is important to us today. One of the verses he used during that message stuck with me:
"But what about you?" he (Jesus) asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:15-16
And I wondered, if Jesus had posed that question to me, what would my answer have been? And then I thought, Jesus is posing that question to me - every day. And every day I have the chance to answer Him, not only with my words, but with my life. Who do I say that Jesus is? What does my life show that I believe? Is it showing that Jesus is the Son of the living God?
Yesterday Mark talked about "Why Worship?" and the fact God created us to be worshippers. We will all worship something and it's up to us to choose what the object of our worship will be. This is so important because we will be transformed into the image of what we worship. So what will I choose? Do I want my life to be a reflection of God's incredible goodness, faithfulness, majesty and love?
And then those two thoughts came together for me. If I want my life to show what I believe, then I need to focus all my worship on Him. As I do, I will be transformed and my life will proclaim, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
I love the lyrics to the song, "I Know You're There", by Casting Crowns. It kind of sums it all up for me:
If all I had was one last breath, I'd spend it just to sing your praise, just to say your name. If all I had was one last prayer, I'd pray it 'cause I know you're always listening. If I could live a thousand lives, bind the hands of time, I would spend every moment by your side.
If all I had was one more song to sing, I would raise a noise to make the heavens ring. If all I had was one last chance I'd take it, I would stake it all on you. If I could rise up high and catch the glance of every eye, I would make them believe what I feel inside.
If I could live a thousand lives and bind the hands of time...If I could rise up high and catch the glance of every eye...
I know you're there, I know you see me. You're the air I breath, you are the ground beneath me. I know you're there, I know you hear me. I can find you anywhere. I know you're there.
So, who do YOU say that HE is?
I believe there is probably not much else on this physical earth that can propel us so very near and close to the Living God as to worship Him.
ReplyDeleteWe are always encouraged to pray and read the Word everyday and I believe that we should also be encouraged to worship daily.
I will have to download that song on Itunes because I love the words. I don't know if I have heard that one from Casting Crowns or not.The words are beautiful.
I hope this day of yours is filled with renewed energy, profound knowledge of God's presence and that your body is in full restoration.
((((((( Huge Giant Hug )))))))
God blessed you with a true talent in being able to journal and share your battle and victory with all of us. Thank you for caring and sharing, so that I might grow in my faith.
ReplyDeleteI pray daily for you to have peace and that your body will be strong and continue to heal. I know that God is covering you and that He is your security blanket.
Thank you, again for your words filled with much wisdom.
God Bless,
Janey
Laura,
ReplyDeleteIn service on Sunday, during the time we sang as an "Orchestra" I was so fill with the joy of worship God that tears ran down my cheeks! Not tears of sadness but joy. I felt so close to God and in turn he was loving me back!!!
He is my everything! I'm far from perfect and so grateful for his love and grace!!
Paula Petritz
To my sweet friend...Love you...Just wanted you to know that. Also, when we went to services in Burundi the sermon was on "Who is Jesus to you:)"
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