Tonight we have our church board meeting, and thought I would share with you the devotional thought I've prepared.
2 Corinthians 5:13-14 says, “The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:
‘He is good;
his love endures forever.’
Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.”
Besides the trumpets being present (I mean, who wouldn’t worship…ha), this is a favourite passage. I hope you would join me in desiring God’s glory to be present in our church in such a tangible way. There is power in the presence of God. I like how the new song “In Your Presence” by Jesus Culture put it,
This room is alive in your majesty
Our city revived in your mercy
Your Son glorified
Our arms open wide
Singing worthy
You are worthy
Although I hesitate to use this passage as a formula; God can show up when He chooses to show up; I do believe there are things we can learn from this scripture.
Preparation.
I can’t imagine that all the singers and musicians just showed up that day. I think they prepared. The musicians and singers prepared their instruments and voices, but I think the people prepared spiritually too, in anticipation of what God would do.
Focus.
God was the focus of this gathering. He is good. His love endures forever. It wasn't about them.
Expectancy.
The people were waiting to see what would happen, expecting God to show up in some way. Do I approach worship in the same way?
Power.
The manifest presence of God showed up. Manifest means “clear or obvious to the eye or mind”. No denying it. That's what happens when God's glory shows up in power.
There are many important discussions and practices that take place in a church, but nothing is more important than seeking after God.
In case you're not a trumpet player, how will you get ready for God to show up? :)
2 Corinthians 5:13-14 says, “The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:
‘He is good;
his love endures forever.’
Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.”
Besides the trumpets being present (I mean, who wouldn’t worship…ha), this is a favourite passage. I hope you would join me in desiring God’s glory to be present in our church in such a tangible way. There is power in the presence of God. I like how the new song “In Your Presence” by Jesus Culture put it,
This room is alive in your majesty
Our city revived in your mercy
Your Son glorified
Our arms open wide
Singing worthy
You are worthy
Although I hesitate to use this passage as a formula; God can show up when He chooses to show up; I do believe there are things we can learn from this scripture.
Preparation.
I can’t imagine that all the singers and musicians just showed up that day. I think they prepared. The musicians and singers prepared their instruments and voices, but I think the people prepared spiritually too, in anticipation of what God would do.
Focus.
God was the focus of this gathering. He is good. His love endures forever. It wasn't about them.
Expectancy.
The people were waiting to see what would happen, expecting God to show up in some way. Do I approach worship in the same way?
Power.
The manifest presence of God showed up. Manifest means “clear or obvious to the eye or mind”. No denying it. That's what happens when God's glory shows up in power.
There are many important discussions and practices that take place in a church, but nothing is more important than seeking after God.
In case you're not a trumpet player, how will you get ready for God to show up? :)
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