Gleanings for January 10

Consistency in Worship & Praise

“Luke 24: 51 – 53 NKJV: “While He (Jesus) blessed them, He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they WORSHIPED Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple PRAISING and BLESSING God. Amen.”

We who are alive today can look to the early leaders, who are good examples of people who began Christian fellowships, (churches) after Jesus left this earth (in His risen body) and ascended into heaven. The following account from the book of Matthew gives teaching about the significant day when Jesus ascended into heaven:

“Matthew 28: 16 – 20 NKJV: “The eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they WORSHIPED HIM; but some doubted.

“And Jesus came and spoke to them saying: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Did you notice as you read Matthew’s account, that along with people who “worshiped” Jesus, there were those also, who doubted? Human nature has not changed over the centuries; it seems there will always be “doubters” besides those who desire to truly WORSHIP. I trust that the scriptures we have been sharing the last few days are some that inspire you to be a “worshipper”.

After the disciples watched Jesus return to heaven, they went back to Jerusalem with hearts full of praise and thanksgiving to God. Acts 2:46-47 tells us:

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat (food) with gladness and singleness of heart, PRAISING GOD, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

As you read about the “consistency” of these early Christians, I trust you catch how important it is that we DAILY, make it a part of our lives to WORSHIP AND PRAISE. Please don’t wait until a “crisis” comes into your life and then go and look for your Bible so you can find a scripture to help you through the storm. We know the early church “turned the world upside down”. Signs and miracles followed those who were believers and this happened because they had fellowship DAILY with the Lord and also with others who were like-minded.

Open your heart to receive the blessings that are waiting for you as you become consistent in WORSHIP AND PRAISE!

THE JOY OF THE LORD—will then be---YOUR STRENGTH!!!