October 20-In or Out?

It’s the Weekend and while you are doing all of your Saturday-things, don’t forget to prepare your heart for worshipping together with fellow believers on Sunday (or whenever you do corporate worship). Preparation is key to actually being a part of worshipping —an active participant—and not merely a spectator on the sidelines. It’s also vital to prepare your heart so that God can speak to you through His word as it is presented. 


I’ve been watching a lot of soccer games and volleyball matches lately and while I watch my grandkids play, the game is really exciting, but if they are on the sidelines, it’s not so much. How much more do you think it effects our Heavenly Father when we just sit on the sidelines rather than enter the game? It’s impossible for Him to cheer us on when we aren’t playing. 


“Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”...“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi, ” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:46-47, 51-52‬ ‭NLT‬‬


So blind Bartimaeus was on the sidelines, but he wanted to be in game. He begged Jesus to heal him and when he could see, He followed Jesus—he immediately became a participant and started following Jesus. He didn’t ask Jesus where he was going or how long he’d be there, he just followed Him. He just took the first step and then the next. Before he met Jesus, he was a spectator, sitting beside the road; after he met Jesus he was actively following Him. Which one of those do you think is a richer, more rewarding life? 


Following Jesus means getting off the sidelines and start taking steps. Most of us hesitate I think because we want to see the whole plan before we relinquish the leadership role. But God probably isn’t going to show us steps two, three or four until we take that first one. And if we aren’t taking steps, we aren’t growing in faith. 


Dear Lord, help me like Bartimaeus, to get off the sidelines and follow You. I pray that you would help us to take the first step and to realize that they are pretty much all first steps. You are a good good Father and we adore you. We lift you high and praise your great name. Be in our services this weekend and let us feel your holy presence as we bring the sacrifices of thanksgiving and praises to you. We love you Lord Jesus and we worship you and we rejoice in your grace and mercy. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear one,

Pam 

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