My morning is pretty well planned. I will be hanging around the house, waiting for the cable guy. We are major contributors to the Cox Communications empire. We get almost every channel. We have high speed internet, and now we are venturing into Cox telephone with not one but two lines. It amazes me all that’s available through that little cable line. I have been involved in electronics and computers for over 40 years and I understand the theories, but the enormity of the possibilities still amazes me.
What is even more interesting is that not everyone gets everything. From basic cable types to technofreaks, all are served based on their perceived need. How much or how little we get depends on the signals aimed at us by Cox and by the equipment we connect on our end.
I was considering all of this because of the fantastic service we had on Sunday. It was Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem Sunday. We put on an awesome program with special music, dancing, and teaching. Further God threw in some powerful testimonies and a time of special worship. But I am also aware that not everyone was equally blessed. It is hard to imagine that someone got more from it than I did; but there is no doubt that some did. I also am sure than some thought it was “too long” or “much ado about nothing.” These folks not only were not blessed; they were irritated.
Isn’t it important that we know the “why” of these vast differences. I think it’s like the cable company. From God everything is available. But He sends special signals to certain individuals according to their needs. For some the healing testimony was the highlight. For others learning more about the ways the people of Israel protect themselves was the most memorable. God uses lasers to hit and cure the exact need in each life. Isn’t He marvelous.
Perhaps of most importance is a third factor. We have to be receptive. Our receiving equipment needs to be in good working order. Some were not blessed on Sunday even though great blessing was available and even though God was aiming at their particular need. Consider what is required from us to be blessed.
1. Show up. Some missed a blessing because they weren’t present. God called them to the service, but they fell victim to one or the other of Satan’s temptations. They deserved a bit more sleep. There was a great sermon on television. Whatever. If we want to receive everything God has for us, we have to show up at the times and places He designates. The designated place isn’t always the church building. God has a way of sending us invitations to be at a certain place at a certain time. The more we respond; the clearer these instructions become.
2. Come ready. Some show up, but their minds and spirits are somewhere else. We have to show up ready and expectant. To fall back on the cable analogy, we have to be tuned to the right channel.
3. Come filled with worship. We need to show up already full. The success of Sunday service is proportional to the amount of weekday service. Excuse me for using “service” in two ways. Think of Sunday as that time in which God blesses us for the ways we have allowed Him to bless others through us during the week. If we have been outlooking during the week, we are better prepared for blessing reception on Sunday.
I don’t think it’s any accident that the week we had a glorious service is also the week that many decided to serve God in a bigger way. This was a very busy week at Amana. There was much prayer, sharing, re-evaluation, and service which took place. It made a difference on Sunday.
If you want everything God has for you, Show up ready. His glory is always present. Sometimes we forget to turn on our receivers, tune in the right station, and be warmed up and ready to receive.
Be blessed.
Nick
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