Your weekly guide to the Bible and prayer
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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A former West Coast pastor, Ray Stedman, spoke at a church conference in England. During the song service at the beginning of the meeting in a Methodist chapel, the gathered Christians sang heartily to the Lord. One of the choruses was the popular "Our God Reigns."
"I knew the song well," wrote Stedman, "so I didn't look carefully at the song sheet as we began singing. But in the midst of the song I happened to glance at the sheet—and began to smile. For what was typed on the song sheet was, 'Our God Resigns'!"
"I was grateful that the people in that room were singing what was in their hearts, not what was on that song sheet. Unfortunately, however, many Christians these days not only sing but live as if their God had resigned and was no longer in power. But he has not! Thank God, he reigns! He is on the throne!"
That's the truth to be underscored this week.
Until next week,
Harry Genet, Men of Integrity managing editor
Your feedback is welcome at Men@ChristianityToday.com.
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 Wired for Worship, But Still Our Choice
When we choose to glorify God, every moment and task are windows to worship.
by Robb Redman
God reveals Himself to us through His Word and Spirit in the miracle of revelation. Equally amazing, God created us to respond to Him in the miracle of worship. To know and worship God is our destiny. In the Westminster Catechism's stately words, "The chief end of man is to know God and enjoy Him forever." Or as songwriter and author Graham Kendrick put it, we are "wired for worship"—cast to reflect God's glory.
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What about God's absolute control do you find most problematic? - Being unable to make sense of world events
- Knowing he'll proceed with or without your consent
- Obeying when his commands are demanding
- Being unable to manipulate the outcome
- Accepting that nothing happens by chance
- Maintaining holiness when he allows temptation
- Realizing that you can't stop or delay his purpose
- Being unable to figure out his reasons and timing
- Knowing that he sends bad stuff as well as good
- Submitting when he sends suffering and trials
- Being unable to foresee how things will turn out
- Accepting that it is ultimately for your good
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'. |
What about a Christian do you suspect beeps loudest on a non-Christian's hypocrisy detector? He…- Conveys a holier-then-thou attitude: 22%
- Comments negatively about people not present: 18%
- Appears spiritual in public but abusive in private: 17%
- Shows no genuine interest in others: 12%
- Is unwilling to admit when he was wrong: 5%
- Is vocal about what he opposes, not what he favors: 4%
- Pretends he never gets worried or frustrated: 4%
- Shades the truth about little things: 3%
- Is reluctant to reconcile after a conflict: 3%
- Holds a grudge when somebody hurts him: 2%
- Deplores risqué humor but provides no alternative: 1%
- Other: 1%
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