Saturday, September 25, 2010

In all times and seasons

"I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live in abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, and of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me." (Philippians 4: 12 13)

The most important lesson that Paul learned from the Lord Jesus is how to adjust to times and seasons. Times and seasons in our life are not arbitrary. They are divine appointment. All times and all seasons belong to Jesus. He is the Master of all history. Our destiny is in His hands. Therefore, "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust." (Luke 8: 50, Mark 5: 36)

Friday, September 24, 2010

Spirit and Liturgy

But the hour is coming - indeed is already here – when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: that is the kind of worshipper the Father seeks. God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4: 23 – 24)

There is an intimate relationship between the Holy Spirit and liturgy. Liturgy is the total expression of our worship of God. Is it surprising that the Holy Spirit will be central in the act of worship? He leads and guides it.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Times and season may change but God’s love is constant

57

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.

58

Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.

59

You heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.

60

All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.

61

All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

62

Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

63

Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

64

Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

65

All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

66

Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

67

[Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

68

Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

69

Frost and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

70

Ice and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

71

Nights and days, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

72

Light and darkness, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

73

Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

74

Let the earth bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.

75

Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

76

Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

77

You springs, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

78

Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

79

You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

80

All you birds of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

81

All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

82

You sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

83

O Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

84

Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

85

Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

86

Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

87

Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.

88

Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. For he has delivered us from the nether world, and saved us from the power of death; He has freed us from the raging flame and delivered us from the fire.

56

Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.

Times and seasons are divine appointment. Times and seasons my change, but God's love is constant and unchanging.

Monday, September 20, 2010

The Spirit leads us to conversion

"For your imperishable Spirit is in everything! And thus, gradually, you correct those who offend; you admonish and remind them of how they have sinned, so that they may abstain from evil and trust you, Lord." (Wisdom 12: 1-2)

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. He admonishes us when we offend God. The Spirit teaches us the ways of God and invites us to trust God.