From Our Lips to Our Lives

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name.”  Hebrews 13:15

There are two aspects of worship mentioned in Hebrews 13:15 – lips and service. They are both important as we look at living out worship in every aspect of life. Our lips are to praise the Lord – but “the fruit of lips that confess His name” will be lives that are continually lived for God’s glory in a “sacrifice of praise.” It is not an “either/or” but a “both/and.”  Let me explain.

Our lips delight in praising the Lord as we come together and worship. We corporately come together on a Sunday morning and lift up the name of Jesus. It is a dynamic time of expressing how much God is worth to us. One of the early signs of revival is a worship that comes alive in the church. When the King makes his presence known, it’s only natural that his people will want to praise him. According to our services, we are in the middle of revival.

I enjoy coming and worshipping with our Church. Our services are an inspiration and we are truly in the presence of the Lord. I always look forward to what the Lord is going to do with our time together. Even in the midst of a pastor’s feeble attempt to describe the history of the church and get his words twisted up, there is a spirit of excitement when we laugh together. I remind you often how real I am in the mistakes I make. Lord help me!... and He truly does.

There is also personal worship when you get caught up in a song or the presence of God when you are alone or with a couple of friends. No one can duplicate the sweet spirit of God that falls down on you when you least expect it.

There is also a dynamic that takes place when we serve each and every day. There is an element of putting fruit to what we say and bringing glory to the name of Jesus. It is in the expression of our worship that serving opportunities arise. There are some times when they drop in our lap and they seem so natural. There are other times when it is a difficult thing to do. All in all, our service is the overflow of our worship.

What better time to put fruit to our lips than Thanksgiving. We should always be a thankful people but especially when we gather with friends and family, around the table, sharing the many blessings God brings to our lives. What a great day to express the Lord’s goodness.

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. Our theme is “Bright Christmas.” Our sanctuary and church are looking great. Many thanks for the people who came out last Sunday night to decorate our church. My prayer is that the Lord will fill our church with the hope and love that will be life changing this Christmas. Invite a friend and let the Church be the Church.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org