Welcome to my blog...

Green trees, cool water, a gentle breeze...the perfect place to sit at the feet of the Master and learn. Jesus taught so often on the shoreline, and He's still speaking today.

This is where I share the lessons He teaches me, often during the time I spend on the shores of a local lake. I don't have all the answers...and some days I don't have any. But I go here when I need to draw near to Him in a tangible way. Come with me...

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Too busy for worship?

I sat down to my computer this morning to check emails.  I had been up late writing them as I put the finishing touches on the food portion of the plans for our Kids Camp outreach this coming week. 

My mind was racing as I mentally checked off:

  • who I needed to see and talk to this morning
  • what I needed to get accomplished
  • what I was making for breakfast
  • what I had that didn't need to be ironed so I could run out the door.

Then I saw my friend's Sunday worship song post...the beautiful Natalie Grant song "Your great name". 

I clicked on it and began to listen.

In front of this electronic beast that consumes so much of my time and in a way, I confess, has become an idol in my life, I suddenly stopped what I was doing and closed my eyes.

I lifted my hands as I sang along "Jesus...Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us...Son of God and man, You are high and lifted up...and all the world will praise your great name."

I wish I could say today is an exception, but far too many Sunday mornings are spent on the business end of ministry rather than in worshiping the one we say we're doing it to the glory of. 

Slipping into a pew, out of breath, and with a distracted mind is NOT worship.

Are you like me today - rushing around serving Him...or serving yourself...to the point where WHY you're doing it or WHO you're doing it for is lost? 

Reminds me of an old Larnelle Harris song "I miss my time with you":

"There he was just waiting, in our old familiar place
an empty spot beside him, where once i used to wait
to be filled with strength and wisdom for the battles of the day
I would have passed him by again, but I clearly heard him say 

I miss my time with you, those moments together
I need to be with you each day and it hurt's me when you say
you're too busy...busy trying to serve me
but how can you serve me when your spirit's empty
there's a longing in my heart wanting more than just a part of you
it's true...I miss my time with you

What do I have to offer, how can I truly care
my efforts have no meaning when your presence isn't there
but you'll provide the power if I take time to pray
I'll stay right here beside him and you will never have to say..

I miss my time with you"

You have the ability to do something amazing...come before the King of the universe and commune with Him.

Take time BEFORE the service this morning to quiet your heart and still your mind.  

Come to Him with a worshipful spirit.  Everything else can wait. 

If He's given you those service opportunities, He'll work out the details and bring things together, but first, He wants to meet with you, fill you with His power, and that will strengthen you to do what He's called you to do. 

By far, it is the most important thing you'll do today.
 








2 comments:

  1. I am often reminded of a song you sang for worship, that to this day, the words strung along with the melody will play in my head...it's as if God is saying, "Hello, pay attention!" I start humming the melody line and then the words come out my mouth and before I know it, I am reminded where I should have been at the beginning of my day. At his feet in full worship. "How is it between us, How is it between us...When did I talk to you last...and what has happen since?" Do you remember that one? Thanks for being so real about your walk! I helps to know I am not a lone in my thoughts/feelings.

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  2. I sure do Michaelyn...it's by Sara Groves. I haven't thought of that one in a long time. Thanks for the reminder because I went back and looked at the lyrics - and they too are a great reminder...especially the part that says "I'm saving the day". I have a friend who always asks if I'm wearing my cape today. Here are the lyrics in full:

    Woke up on the wrong side of the bed,
    The wrong side of the room,
    The wrong side of the world
    Can't put my finger on the mood.
    It's not melancholy, anger or the blues.
    I love my husband, my house, my job.
    Couldn't be any better, and really what else is there?

    Then I realize I'm forgetting God,
    and that's the root of all my misery.
    Lord, first of all, how is it between You and me?

    CHORUS:
    How is it between us? How is it between us?
    When did I talk to You last,
    and what has happened since?
    How is it between us? How is it between us?
    When did I talk to you last,
    and what has happened?

    When I wake up I am on my way,
    reinventing the wheel and saving the day.
    I have learned this lesson a thousand times,
    I am the branch, and You are the vine.
    Apart from You we are mice and men,
    With our fancy dreams of grandeur and
    no way to get there.
    Oh, I can think about You now and then,
    Or I can make a mark on eternity.
    Lord, first of all, how is it between You and me?

    So let the wicked prosper,
    let the oceans roar,
    let the mountains crumble
    and fall into the sea.
    There's something more important
    weighing on my mind.
    Lord, first of all, how is it between You and me?

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