What must it have been like—exiled on the Isle of Patmos,
because of his testimony for Christ? (Revelation 1)
John had no live band to lead him in worship, no accompaniment, no artificial light, no props, and no company. But he had his past experience with the Lord Jesus, the memories of living and walking in His footsteps, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The testimony for which he was exiled was the same power that was constantly with him.
He was chosen and prepared to receive such visions as he was given, and to put it in writing to be preserved for us. John’s visions recorded in the Book of Revelation are not your everyday experience, or even a weekly example, of a worship that any of us can expect or hope for here on earth. But it does serve to bring us to an understanding of the special day that the Lord’s Day became for His people.
It is a day to which we look forward, in anticipation of more of the revelation of the Spirit in our lives and our worship, when we are alone with the Lord or gathered with His people. The same Spirit, by which we are born into His kingdom, is the same Spirit that leads to greater heights of understanding and finally to His glory. He is the same presence and power that opens our minds and hearts to Christ, so that we desire to hear His voice, to see that just one, high and lifted up. Being the center and focus of all our desires and worship, He is all that we seek. We avoid all hindrances and distractions that take our attention away from Him, His Word and His plan for His worship.
The Holy Spirit and His Word (truth that is in and of Christ) lead us to cast all our crowns before Him, to humble ourselves before Him in silence, praise and adoration. The same Spirit of which we are born, led, live, and walk, directs our hearts to Him, and reveals the things of God that He will never show us otherwise. (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) This is worship in Spirit and truth. (John 4:24)
The power of His Word will separate us from the world, its methods, sounds, and designs, and by His Spirit bring us to discover Jesus Christ in a new light. Who does not desire to see the lightnings, thunderings, and earthquakes that prayer and true worship bring to this earth—of which we are in such great need?
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom
which cannot be moved,
let us have grace,
whereby we may serve God acceptably
with reverence and godly fear:
For our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28-29
Dear Father, fill us with more of your Spirit, especially today; lead us, open our eyes and ears and our hearts to what you have prepared for us. Show us great and mighty things we have not known—things that will enable us to bear witness of Christ in all that we do; even it means separation from everybody and all that we know. Lead us to seek Christ, to live for, and worship You, and Christ alone. In His name, we pray and praise you. Amen.
Amen!
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Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Thanks for such an inspiring word, Frances. I love Sundays. I attended the prayer meeting at my church tonight, along with a couple hundred other people. It was my first time there after being out of state for over a month. During the prayer, the worship, the message, and taking Communion together, I had tears in my eyes more than once. I am so blessed to be part of this church.
PS – I love the picture of Liberty and power.
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Thank you, Ann, for your comment. Each Lord’s Day is a special gift to us as His children. No other day do we have such privileges as gathering with our heavenly family in preparation for that great day, worship around His Word and communion.
What is your church? Blessings for your week.
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My church is Third Avenue Baptist. Many of our members are seminary students and their families. (Sunday school is really interesting there!) What I love is the way they share the gospel with everybody (Some of them have started one-on-one Bible studies with people who aren’t even beleivers yet!) and the way they gather faithfully for prayer every Sunday. At most churches I’ve been to, they’d do well to have a dozen people turn out for a prayer meeting, but these people gather every week and pack the place. – I guess they really believe what they say they believe. 😉 They also take care of one another. If someone sends out an email that they need a last-minute babysitter or a ride to the airport or help moving, or anything else, they get an almost instant response. I love my church “family.”
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You are blessed. Hopefully, we will see more churches like yours in the near future. We pray the Lord’s work in the hearts of His people. What seminary?
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Sountern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.
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Oops, that should have said SOUTHERN Baptist Theological Seminary.
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I had to go back to see why you corrected the word SOUTHERN. I did not notice because I knew what you meant. Blessings 🙂
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LOL. It’s “What the —?!” all over again. You do know what I MEAN to say. 😉
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I’m always amaze at what God the Spirit reveals to the preacher preparing for the Lord’s Sunday…and then also revealing truth to His people on the Lord’s Day.
Also amen to your point: “The Holy Spirit and His Word (truth that is in and of Christ) lead us to cast all our crowns before Him, to humble ourselves before Him in silence, praise and adoration.”
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Preparing for this day brings us all to the revelation of things we otherwise would not experience. The preacher is not the only one that should prepare. Our hearts must be ready to receive HIs Word of truth. Blessings for your week.:)
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Amen!
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Loved this prayer! I prayed right along with you, too.
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