Bored At Church

 

Have you ever been bored to tears at church? You just can’t focus on the tediously long sermon. Three fourths of the way through the prayer, you realize you have no idea what the man has said. You think about lunch, the weather, purple polka dots, bicycles, rocks…

“How weary this this…” the Israelites complained. Worship just wasn’t what they had hoped. But that wasn’t God’s fault.

They had brought the lame for their sacrifice. They had neglected the contributions. A valuable lesson is illustrated in Malachi:

You will only get out as much as you put in to worship.

Come to worship with reverence. Get excited about the presence of God. Bring your best offering to the Lord and you will never be bored.

Reading: Malachi 1-4

You’re Invited

Isn’t it nice to be included? It is tangible proof that you are appreciated and your company is enjoyed. So the words, “Come with me,” are music to the ears.

It’s no wonder that the primary mode of spreading the gospel message is from person to person. Even the first disciples, when they were introduced to Jesus, came with someone else.

So looking to the times when the worship of God would be restored among the people of Judah, people would be inviting people.

“The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.’” Zechariah 8:21

The next time you go to worship, invite someone else. Say the magic words: “Let us go… I myself am going.”

Reading: Zechariah 8-12

The God Filled Song

Today’s reading is Isaiah 11-15.

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2, ESV)

From eight tracks and records of years gone by to cds and mp3 players of today, from radio to video to internet music has impacted each of us. Music not only touches the heart, it also expresses the heart. The songs that catch in our hearts and minds often do so because they reveal and express what is on the inside, whether the song expresses unrequited love, a deep and meaningful relationship, displeasure with the government, going against the grain, or whatever else. And so, when Isaiah records that God is his song, that is really saying something. Certainly, the entertaining songs of the day are not necessarily unlawful. Enjoy the ones that do not rejoice in sin. But let us also ask, do we leave room for God to be our song? Or is He crowded out by the cacophony of voices belting on the airwaves? What song fills your heart today?

Tomorrow’s reading is Isaiah 16-20.

The God Filled Don’t Wait for Sunday

Today’s reading is Psalm 96-100.

“Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1-2, ESV).

“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!…Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name” (Psalm 97:1, 12, ESV).

“Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things!” (Psalm 98:1, ESV).

“Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy” (Psalm 99:9, ESV).

“Make a joyful noise tot he LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:1-2, ESV).

What do God Filled people do? They worship God. And they don’t wait until Sunday to do it. Fall on your knees, sing praises, give honor and glory. Be amazed and rejoice in the presence of the God who fills you. Do it today. Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 101-105.