3-21-2014

 Good Morning All,

      Hebrews 10:25; “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

     At least in South Dakota, we are approaching grilling season.  A few of the heartier souls have been out already.  I received a new smoker grill for Christmas and I am really ready to try it out; I am hoping next week will work out.  I admit that I am somewhat old school; I prefer charcoal to gas or electric.  It requires a little more time and a little bit more skill but the results are superior by far.

    The tricky part is getting the coals to be hot and achieve a uniform heat.  In order to get the coals started you usually have to stack them up and then gently build the fire from the bottom and have the heat rise throughout the stack until all the coals are glowing a bright red.  Then you spread them out evenly.  But it is important that they maintain contact with each other.  It is kind of funny to watch.  If one of those top coals, even if they start out kind of hot, rolls off of the pile and rolls over to the corner of the grill, it will soon cool down and soon the fire is gone.

    Our faith life can be a lot like this.  This is also why God invites you to come to worship where the gathering of believers occurs.  Through worship, God builds the heat in our life in order to keep our faith burning.  It is by the gathering of the believers that we are nourished, strengthened and renewed in our faith and in our soul.  This is where we are best fed.  This is where we are best restored and rejuvenated.

    Many will often ask if they have to go to church.  They seem to think it is more of a hassle and a waste of time.  While it is not a requirement of salvation, it is how God nourishes us and gives us the power to grow our faith.  It is through his worship that we grow together as the body of Christ.  It is where we have the consolation of the brothers and sisters in Christ.  It is here where we make those connections with our fellow Christians that are so necessary when pain and troubles occur.  It is also where we make those connections when we celebrate in God’s goodness in our life.

    God uses worship to help us grow and be strong in order to face the devil and his assaults.  It is to help us to have the certainty of faith when we need it most.  Worship is for us to hear God’s Word and enjoy the comfort of his tender words of forgiveness.  It is a time when we, as his redeemed children, come together to call upon his name.  We call to him with our praise and adoration, with our fears and concerns, praying for our brothers and sisters who are in need.  God brings us to worship to keep our fire burning hot.

Gracious Father, in you we have hope.  Give us the renewing source of that hope.  Gather us together that we may hear your word and receive your wonderful grace.  Be with those who have turned a hardened heart to your call to worship.  Bring them back into your arms.  Stir in them the desire to join in your worship and praise.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret