Expectations! What do you expect to experience when you gather with fellow Christians (in a house of worship on Sunday, in a small group gathering or Bible study, or even a chance gathering with Christian friends)?
Here are some of my expectations…
I expect to experience wonderful uplifting fellowship! I expect to experience vibrant, heartfelt worship! I expect an uplifting, challenging encounter with God’s word! I expect to sense God’s presence among us in powerful way! I expect to see lives transformed and miracles occur as we pray and trust God together! I expect powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit that will build and bless and help fellow Christians! Those are just a few, basic expectations I have as I prepare to worship with fellow Christians!
This morning, during my time of “coffee with the Lord, I read these words from Psalm 147 and thought to myself… “You know, some of these words express what I expect when I gather with fellow Christians for “Church”…
“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God – it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting! … Great is our Lord, and abundant in power! His understanding is beyond measure! … Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving! Make melody to our God on the lyre! … The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him – in those who hope in His steadfast love! … Praise the Lord!!” (from Psalm 147)
You know what? I’m really looking forward to the next time we get together! My expectations are high! I intend to participate with all my heart!
“PALAVER” – Webster defines it as “a long parlay between persons of different levels of culture or sophistication; idle talk; to talk profusely or idly.” You might refer to it as a lot of “hot air” – a long and extended argument that produces a lot more heat than it does light.
I have a friend (who will remain unnamed) who never saw an animated argument he didn’t like. He seems to gravitate to discussions filled with controversy. He likes it when voices raise, conflict ensues, accusations are leveled at one another, people are called names and things are said that wound and hurt others… I mean the guy really seems to enjoy it! He likes it so much he looks for opportunities and issues like that… and he’ll bring them up in a conversation whenever he gets a chance. What really is troubling is that those discussions are often over religious practices, the work of the church, theology, and Biblical studies. I wish he’d stop it!! I’ve told him so… he doesn’t seem to listen! Oh, you know this guy? Not the same guy? Another just like him? Lord, help us!! More than one?!!!
Read a passage from the Bible this morning that addresses this issue (and problem)…
Apostle Paul urged Timothy to “stay in Ephesus so that you can command certain people” not to engage in those kinds of discussions. Here is what he said about them…
“Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work – which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and turned to meaningless talk… they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” (from 1 Timothy 1.3-7 NIV)
Don’t know about you, but I’m a little edgy about hanging around someone who always wants a good argument! I feel much more at home in a sincere conversation with someone characterized by “love, a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith.” I want to talk about the Lord, his provision, Christian living, and the cause of the Gospel in that kind of way, don’t you?! I’m praying for my friend… (and looking for the right opportunity to talk to him lovingly about his problem.) I’M TIRED OF “PALAVER”!
My Bible reading this morning from the Psalms (Biblical poetry) – Psalm 145 – The last of the Psalms attributed to David.
After reading and reflecting on its message I gave it this title: “Laud the Lord!”
“Laud”… Not a word we use very much, but you can see the meaning on the pic… “To praise, glorify or honor.” A person worthy of praise is referred to as “laudable” – and that certainly describes the Lord!!!
I picked up a study Bible I use (the “ESV Study Bible”) and it gave this helpful observation on Psalm 145…
“A remarkable feature of this psalm is the way it uses so many different words for “praising”: “extol” (v. 1: to tell how great God is); “bless” (vv. 1, 2, 10, 21: to speak well of God for his generosity); “praise” (vv. 2, 3, 21: to glorify God for his magnificent qualities); “commend” (v. 4: to speak highly of God); cf. “declare” (synonyms in vv. 4, 6), “meditate” (v. 5), “speak” (v. 6), “pour forth” (v. 7), “sing aloud” (v. 7), and “give thanks” (v. 10). The author has exploited all the vocabulary he can muster to describe this great activity, praising God for his greatness and goodness. Further, there are repeated terms for the enduring nature of this praise: “forever and ever” (vv. 1, 2, 21); the “generations” (vv. 4, 13); and “everlasting” (v. 13).”
Wow! Just blows you away!! Talk about a call to worship!!!
So here’s what I did this morning… I read through the entire Psalm slowly, reflecting on each phrase (allowing what it said to sink deeply into my mind and heart) and then letting David’s words become my words in worship to the Lord… That’s right “LAUDING THE LORD!”
So here it is from the English Standard Version… Give it a try and see if it doesn’t change your attitude and perspective! I have a feeling you’ll be incredibly blessed and God will be glorified (Oh that’s right… “LAUDED”)!!!
Psalm 145 A Song of Praise. Of David.
1 “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,
12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
[The Lord is faithful in all his words
and kind in all his works.] (In some of the ancient manuscripts, not all)
14 The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 MY MOUTH WILL SPEAK THE PRAISE OF THE LORD, AND LET ALL FLESH BLESS HIS HOLY NAME FOREVER AND EVER!”
Coffee With The Lord 