Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few.”(Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)

Whenever men convene to worship, whether in a local church assembly, the privacy of a home, or on a majestic hillside, it is neither the surroundings nor the social rank of the worshipers that lend to the sanctity of the activity. It is the presence of God. Thus, the worshipers must exercise care in how they approach him.

God is to be approached submissively. There must be a willingness to listen and to obey.  (1 Samuel 15:22). God is not impressed with our "productions" and our "performances". He covets an inward devotion of spirit. When the worship is directed toward meeting our carnal needs, it is designated the sacrifice of fools. We must approach God with a desire to turn away from evil, and to focus on the righteousness of God.

God is to be approached sincerely. Our prayers must be calm and deliberate. They must not be filled with vain and empty repetitions. (Matthew 6:7) Solomon states that brevity can be a safeguard against such. It is good to weigh heavily the words of songs and prayers to make sure such are truly directed toward God.

God is to be approached reverently. There is a distinct difference between the position of God and the position of man. We must recognize that God is in heaven. He is unapproachable in rank. He sees every action and knows every thought of our heart. He is keenly aware of every need. Man is feeble and totally dependent on him.

When you come to the place of worship is it for entertainment or edification? Do you come to give graciously to God or to receive? Do you focus on heavenly things or earthly things? Does the worship change you and cause you to reflect on your life, or do you worship to show to the world how are righteous you are? Let us pause between each prayer and each song, and resolve to give the glory to God!

By George Slover

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.”  (2 Thessalonians 3:5) 

As he comes to his final words of encouragement for the church at Thessalonica, the apostle records the above. He wishes to encourage these disciples with attitudes to help them to face the reality of persecution.

Though God promises to direct our hearts, it is still good to pray for God to assist us. The heart is the center of one's faith, it is the seed of feelings and actions. It must be led by God and not by self.

First, he prays they will be led into the love of God. I take this to mean the love we have for God. This love is the fulfillment of the law. This is to be the motive behind all spiritual activity. The Thessalonians already have love. Paul wants it to increase. Such love will keep us from being distracted by harmful paths that may tempt us, especially in times of duress.

The patience of Christ seems to refer to Christ’s patience. The patience of Christ would help enable the Thessalonians to endure the persecution. Christ serves as a model for such endurance.  Consider the path of the Savior who left the previous glory of heaven and came to earth. He tolerated the lashes of cruel torture and humiliation with all of his power. He resisted retaliation and even asked for the forgiveness of his torturers. With marvelous resolve endured it all.

A contemplation of his unparalleled suffering and endurance can serve as an encouragement to his followers.  “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3).  "When treated harshly by evil men, let us persevere, as Christ did."

These two attitudes will help to ensure a successful sojourn in this life. These two- a great love for God, and the patience of Christ will keep us and help us to reach the heavenly home.

George Slover

 

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,” (Romans 15:30)

Paul's letter to the church at Rome is not written because the church is lacking in knowledge and power. The very last chapter lists several capable men and women who composed the church there. It was written because Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, needs to address specific challenges that existed between Gentile and Jewish Christians.

In this context he speaks of his desire to come to Rome. However, he must first deliver relief from the Gentile churches to the needy, Jewish saints in Jerusalem. He is hoping such a gift will promote goodwill between Jewish and Gentile brethren. Paul was aware of the bitter rivalry between Jews and Gentiles. Even though he is bringing relief to these needy Jews, he is concerned about their reception.

Paul’s solution is a prayer request of the saints at Rome. He asks them to pray, 1) that he would be delivered from the Jews in Judea, 2) that this gift from the Gentile brethren would be accepted by the saints in Jerusalem, and 3) that he would be able to come to Rome.

Paul implores these brethren to “strive together with me in your prayers”. What would prompt him to use the word “strive”?  Could it be the difficulty of the situation has prompted intense and anxious care on the part of Paul?

The word “strive” means to fight in company with, or to wrestle together. (Complete Word Study Bible) In another passage (Colossians 4:12) Epaphras  is commended for “laboring fervently in prayer”. This reference also carries the idea of wrestling or taking great pains in prayer.

Do these words suggest that we may be far too casual in prayer? Do we really believe God listens when we pray? Do we care enough about the welfare of brethren in difficult situations such as missionaries in China to pray fervently for their welfare and the success of the gospel?  How concerned are we about the spiritual steadfastness of brethren? Do we really understand the urgency of the matter?

Perhaps it is time for us to get real with God in our prayer life, and in eternal matters,  for James says: “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. (James 5:16)

By George Slover
 

"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  (2 Corinthians 7:1)

A pursuit of holiness is the Christian's lifelong ambition. To "put off the old man" and to "put on the new man" is the lofty goal. It is connected to the sinless life of Christ, the model of character and behavior.

The disciples are exhorted to cleanse their lives of fleshly defilements. Perhaps the reference here is to the idolatry and unchastity so prevalent in Corinth. A separation from old habits and associations are necessary, coupled with a focus on the purity of God.

At times one can become discouraged with this task. Old habits are hard to break, new wholesome ones are hard to begin. It is encouraging to know that spiritual growth is  gradual. The perfecting process is accomplished by setting daily goals, and constant, steady attention given to the task.

Paul appeals to the promises of God to motivate the disciples to this work. One of the sweetest thoughts in scripture is the very thought of God's reception of us, of a father-son relationship. What an awesome thought that God would say, "I will be there God, and they shall be by people."  (2 Corinthians 6:16)

The perfecting process must also be coupled with fear. I am amazed at the number of times that fear and holiness are coupled together in Scripture. “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear." (1 Peter 1:16,17) Remembering that we live each day in his holy presence, and the tender dread of offending him in anyway will help us to move in the right direction.

Thus, in the fear of God, and with our hearts encouraged by his promises, let us be determined to manifest God's holiness. God says, be holy, for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:1:16)

by George Slover

There is a notion that God in the Old Testament was not a loving God. Yet passages like this remind us that such a view of God is mistaken. It is quite clear that the psalmist acknowledges just how God regarded those who feared him.

Divine assurances are promised from the perspective of a father who pities his children. Like human fathers, God does not always protect his children from the pain of this world. He does this for the good of his people. Yet, they are never shut off from his love.

God promises to execute justice (vs.6). He is merciful and slow to anger (vs.8). His wrath is awakened only when it is not righteous to remain silent. He is abounding in mercy  (vs. 10-12). He regards the physical frailty of man (vs. 14-16). And God's mercy will last forever (vs. 17,18).

For what reasons does God pity his people? His care is directed toward us on account of our weakness. He remembers that we are but dust and is fully aware of the struggle between flesh and spirit. He provides wisdom and strength to cope with such frailties.

God pities us for our sin. He is always willing to forgive if we are ready to cooperate with him (vs.3). Amazingly, He will remove our transgressions as far as the east is from the west (vs.12). He wants to renew the relationship with us, and set us again on the right course.

God is fully aware of our sufferings. He would not be a good father if he did not care. Though God does not remove the pain, his grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Through God’s strength we can cope.

God has not given what we deserve, but has offered full fellowship with him through his son Jesus. He has promised us everlasting life. Meanwhile in this earthly journey his aim is to perfect us in life and character.

By George Slover