♪A Note of Thanks ♪ Enter to Worship - Leave to Serve
“You will take refuge under His wings.” Psalm 91:4
Up in Walker County, Alabama on the Black Warrior River, Mulberry Fork, that we sometimes call “The Big River,” when you’re riding in the boat, whether for pleasure or to go to your favorite fishing spot, and you see someone on their dock or pass another boat everyone always holds their arm up and waves their hand. Perhaps this is a Southern tradition of having a neighborly wave as you pass by, but my Mother always taught us to be polite and wave to everyone, whether you know them or not. This still holds true for rural areas of the South.
Also, in preparation for the launching of the boat or before leaving the dock, you need to make sure that the boat has enough fuel, the oil is checked and that you have enough safety equipment on board. I think another important facet of the boat ride is the anticipation of what you might see or maybe what’s around the bend. Isn’t this the way it is in worship? We prepare ourselves as we come to worship by praying, planning and seeking God to lead us. We come with expectant hearts knowing that we will be encouraged by experiencing God’s Presence through hymns of our faith, hearing God’s word read and taught, resulting in the congregation collectively and individually being uplifted, edified and rejuvenated for His service as we leave.
So, how is it with you? How do you prepare for worship? Do you expect to hear God speak to you or do you ‘zone-out’ and just go through the motions? Do you give an encouraging word to those whom you come in contact with? Do you leave determined even more to serve God through your ministry to others? There are many ways of service, but the message never changes of His redeeming love. Will you join me today and re-double your efforts in service for the Lord, touching lives wherever you go, being a shining lighthouse, guiding vessels (people you come in contact with) to shore and safety. Launch out with me into the deep and cast your nets. Let’s trust the Lord as we go down the river of life. Yes, we will experience difficulties, but God is there to quiet the troublesome waters. He will be with us, even as we have to make changes and adjustments in life and church. He promised to protect us.
Recently, Frances Williamson, along with her children and grandchildren were in Aspen, Colorado for a family gathering. They took a trip down a river nearby. As Mrs. Williamson told me about rafting down the river through the rapids, her eyes got big and she said, “It was kind of scary.” Many times in life when the storms are gathering and the waves are tossing you through torrential rain, we need the Lord to say: “Peace Be Still.” Last Sunday, during the greeting and fellowship time, we sang the song entitled “Still.” This song was suggested to Richard Hitchcock by his Mother. Think about being in a place in your life where you really need to be still; you need the Lord, and you really want to serve Him. Read these words and let them sink into your spirit:
STILL
Hide me now under your wings,
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Chorus
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You above the storm;
Father, You are King over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest, my soul, in Christ alone.
Know His pow’r in quietness and trust.
Chorus
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You above the storm;
Father, You are King over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
-Reuben Morgan
Come just as you are. Hear the Spirit call. Come just as you are. Come and see; come receive; come and live forever. Life everlasting; strength for today; taste the Living Water, and never thirst again. – Chrystal Lewis
Thank you for the opportunity to serve along-side you as we go down life’s river.
Your friend, Mark David Jackson
