Dear Friends in Christ-
Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 speaks to how God the mighty creator does not keep silent amidst injustice but comes to judge the people who are in covenant with God. God’s testimony shows that the people have not been faithful. Their sacrifices, their acts of worship, are not the problem—it is their practice of injustice that testifies against them. In verse 21, God admits that They have kept quiet, but no longer, and in verses 22-23 God reminds them of what happens if they forget God—they will be torn apart by their own actions. Instead, the one who turns back to God in thanksgiving, who offers their sacrifices in gratitude, is the one that God will show the way to salvation. Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 New International Version A psalm of Asaph. 1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. 3 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. 4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice. 7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God. 8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me. 22 “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: 23 Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.” Genuine worship is determined by the heart. Believe it or not, we can gather in any sanctuary, pray, sing, listen to a sermon, give, gather with a small group, fellowship and all the while not worshiping God. Truth is that thousands if not millions will fill churches on any given Sunday and go through the motions of a service and never actually worship God. We can fool others with our actions but we cannot fool God because God sees where the world cannot see—God sees the heart. An attitude of gratitude is always a good place to start in worship! Please re-read this song. What else comes to heart? What questions come to mind? Will you bring your questions to worship? In His Service, P Jim ♥️⚓️ (*Note- In the Hebrew Bible, three men have the name of Asaph (אָסָף ’Āsāp̄). Asaph is identified with... twelve Psalms and is said to be the son of Berechiah <who is said to be an ancestor of the Asaphites.> The Asaphites were one of the guilds of musicians in the First Temple.) Comments are closed.
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ZOOM WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAY @ 11 AM To join by phone, dial (929) 205-6099 and enter the meeting ID and password below: Meeting ID: 876 1875 9099 Password 333 PrayerGracious Loving Lord, please keep all of your children safe in these trying times. Guide us. Open our ears to hear, our eyes to see, our minds to understand and our hearts to know and be your love to others. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Want to support RLUMC and our missions? Donate Today
Prayer Chain
For those wishing to activate our Church Prayer Chain, contact Barbara Hurley 518-307-8238 If you want the concern to remain confidential among prayer chain members only please feel free to make that request when calling. Archives
September 2023
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