I love God, His Grace and Mercy! I love His Greatness and Awesomeness! I love the way God has and does work in my life and in others. Of course, I can only listen and observe His work in others, but it is personal for me as I get to feel it, enjoy it and proclaim it. I give Him all the praise and glory for all the things He has done for me! I rejoice in being a Child of The King!
Last night my "Saturday night ritual" was just not the same. I realized I did not get my clothes ready for church. Now that may be a small thing for most, but I enjoy that activity. Not because of the clothes, but it starts my "mental preparation" and the anticipation of a day of praise and worship with my church family. But I started thinking, I was probably not alone. I suspected others might be going thru the same feelings. In my 65 plus years, I could not recall a time. church services would not be held anywhere. I'm not a historian, but I never recall ever hearing about a time when church services were cancelled for an extended period of time. Perhaps, during the world wars, or the great depression or other times when a sickness was running rampant, but my memory (which is not that good, but you know that already LOL) tells me that during those times, people ran to church to pray and to find peace and comfort with fellow Christians. But we are in different times and a different place in our lives and fortunately we have more ways to communicate with one another and God's Word can be shared across several different mediums. And for that, I shout Hallelujah!!!
As I have said so many times, I am a blessed man! (I never can seem to say it enough.) Last week, I was able to serve the Lord, but in a different way than ever before. I was so honored to serve in a way, I never dreamed this old man ever would. I give God thanks and all the praise and glory for the opportunity. As I closed my day yesterday, thanking Him for His blessings and asking His blessings on Sunday, it came to my mind, a sweet memory (at least for me) that helped me with today. I would like to share.
My sweet Dad, loved going to church. He loved the singing and the preaching. Unfortunately, during the final months of his life he was not able to go to church services but he enjoyed several specific church services he could watch online or the television broadcast. When he reached the point he could no longer get out of bed, my sister and brother in law, rearranged their family room so Dad's bed could be in there along with plenty of places for friends and family to sit with him. Dad's bed was turned so he could see the big screen TV. On his final Sunday, we knew his days were drawing to an end. I was sitting by his bed, and for the most part he was sleeping and very little communication. I was contemplating if I needed to leave or stay and as many of you have experienced these decisions, you know the emotions you go through. Then Dad woke and started to "rally". I was trying to understand what he was wanting. I'm slow but I finally realized he wanted the TV turned on. It was time for his church services. He wasn't wearing a watch, there was not a clock in the room that I know of but he knew it was time for church (even if it was online or television) . I appreciate the opportunity and the joy to be with Dad in church one last time.
Brethren, today is Sunday and we will meet to worship, "And adore the Lord our God; Will you pray with all your power, While we try to preach the Word? All is vain unless the Spirit Of the Holy One comes down; Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around." Yes it may be on TV, on our computers or smartphones, but I hope we will all gather, worship, praise and pray! This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
I love this old song and so thankful God shared it with me this morning. It was written by George Askins and talking about standing the test of time, he wrote it in 1819 and it was first published in 1825. I think "Brethren, We Have Met To Worship" qualifies as standing the test of time. In our current situation, I like the last verse:
"Let us love our God supremely, let us love each other, too; Let us love and pray for sinners, till our God makes all things new. Then He’ll call us home to Heaven, at His table we’ll sit down; Christ will gird Himself and serve us with sweet manna all around."
I woke up, hearing The Cathedrals singing, "Brethren, We Have Met To Worship" but since I posted a link yesterday of them singing, I thought I would find a different version to share. I found a beautiful version, of the Collingsworth Family singing from their album "Hymns From Home". Seems very appropriate for today.
I pray you will have an awesome Sunday!
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