Revelation 1:3 (NASB)
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Many, even those that read scripture regularly, avoid the last book of the Bible. The imagery is vivid and the prophesy is difficult to understand without considerable study. However Christ, through the disciple John, makes it clear in the beginning of the book that we are blessed by reading and hearing these words.

Several years ago, my grandson challenged me to read Revelation Chapter 5 every morning. I did that for a couple of months. As I remember his challenge, I go back periodically and read it again. Chapter 5 is a picture of the gospel and a picture of heaven. You will be blessed by reading it. So, I challenge you to read it too.

Heavenly Father, I pray that I would not avoid certain books or passages of scripture. I know that all scripture is God breathed and worthy of my study. I pray that my prayers would come from your words, that my thoughts would come from your Spirit, that my words would reflect your scripture. I pray this is Jesus name. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,

Philippians 3:17-21 (NASB)
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

My wife and I were recently at a dinner party with friends from our neighborhood. It was a pleasant evening with good company, excellent food, and interesting discussions. Near the end of the dinner, the topic of spiritual things came up. One person said that they were a skeptic even though they do attend church. They didn’t understand why, if God was real, why we didn’t have miracles today like those reported in the Bible. One other person, whose wife had passed away several years ago, said that he still liked to attend church on occasion. It was a time of reminiscing attending church with his wife for so many years.

I realized that there are many reasons why people attend corporate worship. For some it is a pleasant experience with comforting music. It is a reminder of other times, possibly an entertaining hour. For others, it is a place to gather information, to learn, possibly to hear an interesting sermon. For others it is a time to absorb the experience in a way to transform us into the likeness of Jesus.

I have to confess that I have thought of Sunday worship in all three ways. Over the years, I have learned through the Holy Spirit that my time in corporate worship needs to focus on being transformed by the Spirit. That is the main reason, although fellowship and learning are also components of the experience. I test it now by how I respond in word and thought following the service. Do I critique the music selection? Do I analyze the sermon against my knowledge of scripture? Or do I let the Spirit teach me what He wants me to learn from the experience?

Heavenly Father, transform me from my sinful state into conformity with the body of Christ. Forgive me when I reduce your worship to my entertainment. Forgive me when I reduce your worship into a focus on me instead of You. As your Spirit teaches, align my heart and mind with You. I pray in Jesus precious name. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,

Deuteronomy 6:4-6 (NASB)
Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

Religious – the state of having an interest, a belief, or participating in activity that is very important to a person or group.

Recently, I had someone tell me that they were not a religious person. I knew what they were trying to communicate, but the thought stuck with me. It occurred to me that everyone is religious, especially if you apply the broad definition above. The difference between that person and a Christian is that their religion is something of this world. It can be something very good, something that they are very passionate about, something that consumes their thoughts and heart. I think that is why it bothers me when people label me as being a religious person. It is the way God created us; we are all religious.

God wants us to worship Him – with all our heart, soul, and might. When we do, the things of His creation are put into proper perspective. We can enjoy them because they are His creation, not because we worship them.

One of the ways we worship God is through prayer. It creates a bond between Creator and creature. It helps us to know Him as we link His communication to us (the Bible) with our words to Him. It allows our love for Him to grow.

Heavenly Father, I pray that the words of Deuteronomy 6 would fill my heart, soul, and being. Help me to put all things into proper perspective, so that I worship only You. Give me a heart that yearns to know You more each and every day. Praying this in the name and power of Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,