For Thought and Meditation - Thursday, January 12

[Pine Baron]

Good morning all. A great message today. Have a safe and blessed day.

In Spirit and Truth
Hagee Ministries

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 4:24

Daily Truth

If you read John 4, you know that the Samaritan woman whom Jesus had just met began to debate with Him about which mountain they should worship on. Jesus responded that worship doesn’t have anything to do with a place; it’s about how you worship. It has to do with what’s inside you. It has to do with the heart of worship—it must be in spirit and in truth.

That debate is not unlike what we sometimes hear today. Should we sing this way or that way, clap or not, lift our hands or not? Should we use a band like we’re at a concert? Or, should we sit in silent reflection? Do we really think that God prefers one over the other? I think what He said to Samuel still rings true today: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Regardless of the style or quality of the music, regardless of the enthusiasm, regardless of the appearance, you might not have God’s presence. It’s only when you have the heart of worship that you have the privilege of being in His presence.

God is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Today's Blessing

Heavenly Father, bless us this day. Keep us, watch over us, guard us and guide us. Let Your goodness and Your mercy follow us. Let Your grace shower down upon us and Your mercy saturate every area of our lives. Allow us to walk today with the attitude of praise, knowing that no matter what we go through, no matter what we’re facing, no matter where we’ve been, You deserve all the glory. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and we magnify You. In Jesus’ name, we receive this blessing.

[USMC87]

Amen, a great message today.

[dverna]

It is a good message and very true. God does not care but......

For a church to succeed, it must attract people and get them to give money/services.

At the church we attend, there are three Sunday services. Two are at 9:00 with one in the main chapel where modern music is played, and another is the classic service where old hymns are played. When the music is done, the sermon in the main chapel is viewed on a screen in the other venue. The 10:30 service has modern music.

Most of the folks in the classic service are older and we call it the "old people service". It is a smart move as I suspect the older folks give more money and some will leave the church money in their wills. But the young crowd wants more "pizzaz" and the main chapel has many more people.

The music does not matter to God, but it matters to the attendees.

I have seen churches that cling to the belief it doesn't matter how poor the preacher is, or the type and quality of the music. Every one of those churches is in trouble.

Our Worship Team leader moved on a few months ago because how he performed on stage did not satisfy many in the congregation. Ignoring reality is one reason churches are having trouble.