(5/16/16)
ENJOYING THE MEAL
Have you ever planned to go with some friends to a favorite restaurant? I have. I really like Rioz, Damon's, Magnolia's, Tony's Seafood, Abuelo's, Plaza Mexico in Beaufort, Carrabba's, P.F. Chang. It is especially fun if you know your friend or guest is looking forward to the meal. ÔK, I admit to excitement just pulling into the parting lot, heightened anticipation as we enter the dining room and sheer ecstasy when the food arrives. Again, the pleasure is multiplied when your dinning companions are also enjoying the meal.
Then again I have been with folks who either showed no pleasure or actually criticized the occasion. The same responses can be manifested when the meal is served at home. A happy and satisfied diner intensifies the joy of a shared meal, and an unresponsive or negative person can ruin an otherwise special event.
Here it comes. Are you ready?
The same is true for going to church. People ought to look forward to joining friends in worship service. There ought to be excitement as they drive up to the gathering location. There ought to be heightened anticipation as they enter the sanctuary. There should be sheer ecstasy as they enter into the presence of God.
But it ain't always that way.
The celebration should not be based on the preacher, the music, the facility, the other worshippers, though all of these things should add to the specialness of the event. The reason for our exhilaration should be the presence of Jesus. If He is not the source of your joy, if He does not fill your heart to overflowing, then you need to repent.
Think about the influence you have on other people in a worship service. If you don't add to the celebration then you are dampening the service for others. You are robbing God of His glory.
Think about your influence on others during a service. Think about how you help or you hinder the pastor.
Psalms 100
1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
God help you if you enjoy a burger more than you appreciate the presence of the God of the universe.
