Worship

Scripture

I love going back to Wyoming every year. I love getting together with my fiends who still live there or who happen also be visiting. We get together, laugh, and relive stories repeatedly. It never grows old. I know what’s coming; I know which one of us played the hero (or the goat) of the tale. Sometimes I feel like I am reliving the moments in my head.

I thought of that as I read Moses repeating the stories that the people experienced. Moses continually reminded them of everything: the victories and the failures. Why? Because it’s our folly to forget. We forget the times GOD has delivered us when faced with new struggles. We forget the pain we created from our last travel down the road of disobedience.  

Moses gathers everyone together, and they are retold the stories. We need reminding of all the good that GOD has done for us. We need reminding of what happens when we turn from GOD. We need reminding that GOD remains faithful to bring us back yet again after all the times we turn away. The ones who were there nod vigorously in agreement as they relive the Sea parting. Those who were too young hear the great stories and have their faith built. They hear the stories of when people turned away and somberly deal with the hurt they created.

I vividly remember a time of struggling with failures and fears (not the only time in my life if I am being honest). I had been in the grips of feeling alone and forgotten for months. My pastor told the anecdote of a man coming to the altar and telling GOD that he just couldn’t follow HIM anymore but thought he ought to at least thank HIM for things that GOD had done before. The more his mind rested upon past moments of GOD’S grace, the more he realized how much GOD was there now. It was anecdotal but for me it worked. I literally felt like saying “no more” but forced myself to start remembering times that I could point to GOD doing something, anything. The burden of feeling alone after months and months of struggle lifted. So, if you are struggling take time to remember times where you know GOD was there. Allow yourself to relive those moments and that grace. 

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Romans11:33

Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

 In every instance that I do not have an answer, God does. 

ASK GOD

Romans 8:32 NASB

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 

 Surely the Lord is willing to grant us our very minor requests in comparison to the absolute best that Heaven has to offer; which He has already given us in His son Jesus!

SUBMIT TO GOD

Lamentations 3:24-25

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I wait for Him.” The Lord is good to those who await Him, To the person who seeks Him. 

 I chose to wait until God’s answer is clear, until His hand is present, until His peace is my guiding force. I trust in His goodness.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, we know you are in control. Thank you that we can trust in your power and your word. Help us to recognize the magicians and illusions of this world that will attempt to distract us from your power. May your Holy Spirit lead us through conviction and encouragement to trust in your holy word.  In Jesus Name, Amen