6/29/09

In my study of the Word over the last few days, I've been reading about how God's people constantly try to do right and then turn away or in some cases, don't try at all. King David tried for the most part always keeping the Lord on his mind and said he 'meditated on his word day and night.' (I think that's the key to staying obedient) BUT, even he screwed up. Literally, with Bathsheba. His son Solomon, was given a choice by God to have wisdom or riches.Solomon chose wisdom. God said it was good. But it was a worldly wisdom, not godly wisdom and he was miserable all his life. He was divided in his loyalty to God and his wives' gods. In the end of his days, he finally wrote that rich or poor, smart or dumb the only thing that will ever make you happy is to serve God. His son Rehoboham started out pretty good, but the kingdom split with the bigger part going to Jeroboam. But Rehoboam challenged Jerry saying he might as well give it up because Jerry had made golden calves and driven out all the priests and Levites so God wasn't with them anymore. Reho said it was God's fight and Jerry was just going to be fighting against God so he wouldn't win. So with less than half the army that Jerry had, Rehoboham wiped out more than half of Jerry's men. But even after seeing the mighty hand of God, Rehoboham began serving other gods within just a few years. God punished him, but Reho at least said, (paraphrase) You're right, I did it, I deserve it.' God lightened up on him, but he didn't escape all punishment.



But, It got me thinking. You know, we see God's work in our lives every day. I know many Christians who have seen God's hand in such a strong way, as in my life, that it's almost a visible, palpable thing. You are taken back at the reality of what you are seeing. You know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it can be none other than the hand of God working to make things happen. Yet in such a short time, that memory dims. He feels distant again. I began to think, you know, I have NOT believed in other gods. I have NOT set up a golden calf. I haven't even begun devoting all my attention to something else that could be attributed to what the old testament calls IDOL worship. While I was pondering this, I do believe the Holy Spirit spoke to me. IDOL worship may not any longer be worshiping golden calves. Sure we have busy lives, but today, it is IDLE worship. Worship in IDLE. Non active. Not just going to worship services which is very, very important because there you meet others who are imperfect just like you, struggling to become what God wants them to be. They need YOU to help them and as a fellow servant, it's your responsibility to help. You cannot neglect the church (the people), she is the bride of Christ. The people our Lord died for, no matter whether they meet up to your expectations or not. No matter whether you think they are hypocrites or judgemental. They are there and the Holy Spirit WILL deal with them. You fulfill your duty, He will do His. Your duty is to pray for them, serve them, love them, and help them on their way to becoming Christlike. For US, our worship, must not be IDLE worship.



Hebrews 13:16 The Message
13:16
Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship - a different kind of "sacrifice" - that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.



James 1:27 NAS
Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: that you visit the orphans and the widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (May I also include visiting those in nursing homes who may just need a friend to talk to, a new face to see. Who cares if they repeat what they said five times, isn't it about giving others joy?)

James 1:27 The Message
Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.


Having now said this, I will have to practice what the Lord has spoken to me.........