In the Beginning . . . God!
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
In the Beginning...God Studies
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My Prayer Today
Thank God for your church. Pray for its pastors, leaders, members, children, youth.
God’s Word Today - Hebrews 10:22-25
22 let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
Reflecting on God’s Word
We are going to spend some time looking at the importance of regular worship attendance.
It is God’s will that His children come together to worship and praise Him.
Obedience to God involves placing Him first in all we do and say. How often do you worship God?
How often do you worship God with other believers?
What changes to you need to make to keep God first?
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Today’s reading tells us to “think of ways to encourage and love one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.”
What ways do you encourage others?
What ways do you share your love of Jesus with others?
What are some outbursts of love and good deeds that you have seen/do?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
How can we have true hearts?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
In verse 23 we read, “Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
To hold tightly requires strength. Where do believers get their strength?
Strength comes from God but it also comes from each other. When people are away from worship, what happens to the strength of the fellowship?
Thoughts
There are many reasons why people neglect church worship. In Jude 1:17-19 we read, “17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, 18 that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. 19 Now they are here, and they are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct because they do not have God's Spirit living in them.” Jesus isn’t a priority in their lives – worship isn’t a priority in their lives. They place other concerns, desires, needs in first place.
We often give in to the world and its schedules. Not long ago, school and community sporting events and activities were not held on Sunday and Wednesdays since these were considered the Lord’s Days for worship and for discipleship. However, some groups began to schedule events on those days – and guess what! Most often, they were not challenged. Believers gave in – and the world took over. We need to look at our calendars and set priorities according to God first.
“Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Keep God first. See you in worship on Sunday!