Fall '09

September 1, 2009
Kevin Wood
  

Worthy of Celebration

There are certain times in life when it becomes obvious that circumstances have been divinely ordered and God’s blessings have coalesced in a powerful and wonderful way. These are the special times when we become aware that God has blessed far beyond what we imagined and what we deserve.  I believe that those moments of blessing are high water marks for all believers. One such high water mark recorded in the NewTestament is found in Acts 4:31.

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

The times when we are shaken by the activities of God are rare and glorious. We should not ask that God repeat these awesome moments. And, we cannot always live in the shadow of those blessings. 

How then should we respond? The only natural response is celebration and gratitude. These special moments of God’s presence and blessing should be marked by celebration and praise. And, these moments of celebration should signify our heartfelt recognition of God’s goodness and blessing. No half-hearted worship will do. 

But, beyond celebration is gratitude. Gratitude is our reflection of God’s goodness back to Him. When we are grateful for God’s blessings we recognize His worth and His provision. But, beyond these things we recognize that He alone could have ordered things as they are. In short, our gratitude recognizes that God alone is the source of our blessings. 

As a church we have been blessed. We are close to dedicating a new building and beginning a chapter in the history of our church and of our community. Many of us havelabored and sacrificed for what will soon take place. But, God alone is worthy of praise, honor, and worship. Let Him receive all the glory, honor, and praise!

Only when we recognize God for what He has done, will our lives be shaken!

Blessings,

Kevin