The word of Christ.  One of the reason I love to go to church is that our Pastor teaches directly from scripture. He’s not seeking to tickle our ears with a nice uplifting message. Instead, he spends hours during the week working to understand the original author’s message and then listening to God for how to share with all of us.  He preaches the full word of God.  He doesn’t skip over the tough parts or hop from topic to topic.  We must desire and allow the word of Christ to dwell richly in us; for it is the source of our wisdom. 

Teaching and Admonishing. None of us have attained a place of complete knowledge of God. Every step we take toward knowing Him opens our eyes to a new depth of how much of Him we have yet to understand. We forget, lose focus, and even willfully disregard our Father in heaven.  We need to be taught and reminded who God really is, what He has done, and what He is capable of. We need our brothers and sisters in Christ to do so.   To receive this we must open ourselves to relationship with them.  Finding a local body of mature believers and seeking Christ together is critical to your walk with God. 

Singing with Thankfulness. There’s something about a song that can burn in your brain and teach you for many years going forward.  Our hearts were designed for praise and song.  Our lips long to sing of His great mercies and shout of His excellence.  Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs have the power to refocus our eyes where they belong.  Singing with thankfulness together is a powerful medicine that is meant to be taken daily. 

So what is a Sunday morning like?   It is a body of believers that seeks hard after Jesus, that He (the living Word) would dwell richly in them.  Through the wisdom of His word, they teach and admonish one another through Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  It is a place of love and powerful worship and I am blessed!

Reflection

What is your church like?

Is God’s word the rudder that steers your church?

Is it a place of teaching and admonishing?

Do you thankfully sing His praises?

Prayer

Father, we thank You that You have given us a body of believers to worship with even if we haven’t found them yet.  Lord I ask that Your people would see their need for one another and that You would provide a place for all those that are worshipping You from afar; apart from the body. Draw them together that they may grow and carry out Your great mission.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

You can almost feel the tension building in Jerusalem as Paul returns.  Culture, traditions and people’s way of life stirred up and at odds now concerning teaching from those who were part of The Way. 
Read Acts 21:15-26

1) What stands out in the text?

2) What questions need to be answered so you have understanding?

3) What is the main theme?

4) What is the application for the original readers?

5) How does his passage apply to believers today and to you personally?

May His word be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path today!

God is forever teaching us that we need not be overwhelmed by the enemy. David consistently mentions these remedies throughout the psalms:

1. Acknowledge sin and need of the LORD’s deliverance

2. Meditate on God’s mighty works

3. Seek the instruction of the LORD. 

4. Be led by him

Personal Reflection

Are you overwhelmed today?  Any unconfessed sin is sure to cloud your judgement and bring with it doubt of  God’s power and provision.  Turn from the sin, Acknowledge and confess it, ask for forgiveness and walk forward in the Light. Spend time thinking about all the work the LORD has done over the course of history and your life as well. Praise him for it! Seek guidance and understanding from His Word.  Let that Word shape and lead you. 

Prayer Focus

Loving Father, help us when we lose sight of your power and might. Teach us to recall your wonderful works and to be confident in you and in your timing. Teach us to walk in your ways and in your will. Jesus, amen!

@brianfriedl

#teachmeoLORD #ineedJesus #truthtalk4life