Good Friday:

Good Friday calls us to remember. To remember the sacrifice that was made in order that we may live free and gain the ultimate gift of salvation, and to be in a deep intimate relationship with Jesus. On this day over 2000 years ago, our precious savior was beaten beyond recognition (Isaiah 52:14), His flesh ripped, His body bruised, and then was placed on an old rugged cross covered in other men's blood sweat and tears. Nails were driven into His hands and feet, He was then raised up on the cross to be cursed at, spit on, and mocked all the while saying "Father, forgive them for the know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Then Jesus absorbed the wrath of God and bore our sins in order to fulfill the scriptures. Let us not forget and always remember why we have life, and a Savior who passionately loves, forgives and pursues us. 

Oh Lord, how we forget so easily the sacrifice that you made. Forgive us for forgetting. Help us to always remember. We do not deserve you oh God. Lord save our wicked hearts and restore them to you. Thank you for your never ending Grace and Mercy. We long to love you so much more then we do, so help us Lord. Thank you for saving me from myself and sacrificing so much that I may live with you for eternity. Amen

Hallelujah, God is Here!

Worshiping God through Prayer

Theologian and Pastor John Piper says this about worship: "true worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine. Strong affections for God rooted in truth are the bone and marrow of biblical worship. Biblical worship involves some kind of outward act. The very word in Hebrew means to bow down. Worship is bowing, lifting hands, praying, singing, performing rites of eating, cleansing, ordaining and so on."

Worship stirs affections for our God. Worship is not just singing it is a way of life. One of the most powerful ways we can worship is through prayer. Through prayer we show gratitude and adoration, we come and bow before Him and lay ourselves at His throne, prayer is a very precious and intimate time of worship with our Lord. David through the Psalms shows us what it is to worship God through prayer.

In Psalm 69:1-3 we see David crying out to the Lord to save and restore him:

"Save me, O God, for the waters have threatened my life. I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflow me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; my eyes fail while I wait for my God...." This verses shows the great worth of our God, and how David feels about Him. David is saying here that no matter what happens to him and how bad life may get, that the potential, the very thought of God is better then any substance of anything else. David is worshiping God; he is acclaiming his worth and greatness. The book of Psalms are prayers worshiping God, knowing that He is far greater, that His ways and thoughts are higher then ours and there is nothing better. (Isaiah 55:9)

God created us to worship. Every time we pray we are worshiping, even if our prayers are crying out in grief, anger, or joy they are still glorifying God. As we pray may we not forget that we are worshiping, I pray we take the time to engage Him and allow Him to speak to us. As we come in on Sunday mornings for a time of corporate worship, may it be an overflow of what God has done and revealed to us that week. 

Lord, thank you for who you are and all you do. May we worship you in all ways of our life. Thank you for hearing our prayers and allowing us to worship you. Help us Lord! Amen.

Hallelujah, God is Here!