Get Comfortable Getting Uncomfortable

Today’s reading is Psalm 149.

I remember the first time I ever attended a church service with contemporary/rock music. I was in college and visiting my brother and sister-in-law’s church in Houston, TX. It sounds funny saying this now, but growing up in a traditional church where pretty much only an organ and piano were played, I felt like it was a sin or something to be hearing this kind of music and clapping in church. Little did I know that just under 10 years later we would move to Bloomington, IL and begin attending Eastview Christian Church. As we started going there, I began to think and reflect on this type of music being played there, too. I realized that I go to rock concerts and sing along and clap with excitement. Why shouldn’t I have the same type of energy and fun at church praising my Lord and Savior? I find it cool that Psalm 149:2-3 says, “Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing making melody with tambourine and lyre.” I’ve written on this before, but the moments I typically feel closest to God now are in the church when certain songs are played. I think to myself, if this is what Heaven is like, it will be awesome and I can’t wait to get there and spend eternity. In fact, if you’re a regular Bible Journal reader, you have probably noticed I often post songs I feel connect well after my writings. I now almost exclusively listen to Christian contemporary music, and I would probably say it’s my main form of “worship.”

Am I saying this type of contemporary service is the only way church should be done? Absolutely not. As long as your church focuses on the Word as the one and only true source about God and follows its direction unequivocally, then it doesn’t matter how you worship. It doesn’t matter if it’s traditional hymns and organs or drums with clapping and arms raised, three-piece suits and dresses or jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. God only wants your praise and adoration in whichever way brings you to oneness with Him.

I am not advocating for any type of church service. What I am advocating for is getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things that may help you grow in your excitement, knowledge, and relationship with Christ. Ten years ago, I couldn’t imagine being in a contemporary church or a Bible study talking openly with others about the Word. Five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined having the confidence to do street ministry on a mission trip or reflecting and journaling on God…let alone writing about God where others would actually read it! As I write my last post for 2017, I can say that I was nervous and not confident in being a writer for Bible Journal. But, as other Bible Journal writers would attest to I’m sure, God is the writer, and we just hold the pen. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing in 2017 and have grown in ways I couldn’t imagine. I don’t have things figured out. I fail and am trying to get better every day. It’s always difficult, but I have to remind myself constantly that in order to be all God’s called us to be and to become closer to Him, we have to get out of our comfort zone to grow. No growth happens within our comfort zone. By getting out of your comfort zone, not only will you grow closer to God, but you might actually find you enjoy things you didn’t think you would or even find God has given you talents, gifts, and abilities you never knew you had! Who knows..as you read this you may even feel a tug on your heart to write for Bible Journal in 2018. If you do, let us know, and I’m sure we can find a spot for you! My prayer is that God helps each one of us grow closer to Him in 2018 in a way only He knows how.

Curtain Call

Today’s Reading: Mark 15

I write this post from my moms bedside who has currently resides at the 4th floor of ICU these last few days.  We are waiting for another surgery with outcomes  that range from A-Z with various terminology that leaves me in a blur.  The only two results I can still hear are life or death.  The thoughts, words, and prayers shared are priceless as it has strengthened a faith in the trust of a Father who only knows the results. These results not known to me have already been decided by our God who has plans predestined according to His will and not our own.

Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

In between the beeps, clicks, and sound of each ventilator breath the trust in God holding everything in his hands,  including my mothers life, always holds true. In this short, vapor of a life we have on this temporary earth I’m grateful for the promise God has given to us for an eternal life with Him. Psalm 39:4-5 reminds me of our investment we spend on our earthly days for an eternity with God.

Psalm 39:4-5 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; he span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.

As I read through Mark 15 the death of Jesus always puts lump in my throat as I am saddened by the mocking, brutalizing pain, and abandoned feeling Jesus would have felt. But as you read on to Mark 15:38-39 there is another assurance of the relationship God desires from us.

38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”  

This curtain represented a barrier to the Holy of Holies that only allowed the highest priest to come in and enter into God’s presence and make atonement for their sins. ( Jeremiah Study Bible 2016) The symbolism of the curtain being ripped from top to bottom is that God opened the way for everyone to have a relationship with him.  Jesus’s death on the cross grants us all access to the the highest of all, Jesus, who sits on the right side of God.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

So on this wonderful Valentine’s Day, God wants us to approach him, with heart and arms wide open. This true love given by a Father who sent His Son to die on the cross for us.  He tore down this curtain to show us that we are all invited into His presence. Believe, keep the faith, that God loves, cares for, and will never leave our side.   Psalm 62

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Mended – Matthew West