Spectacle

I'm not a morning person.

It's not that I do not enjoy the coolness of a summer's morning.

On the contrary, the songs of the birds singing in the treetops are a gentle reminder that a new day means a fresh start.

But, in the morning, my mind takes a little time to "fire on all cylinders."

At this stage in life, I've realized that knowing my weaknesses is not an excuse to embrace them. Instead, it allows me to overcome them.

I may not be a morning person, but I am up every morning by 4:30 a.m.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you, I entrust my life." Psalm 143:8

Many health experts agree we should start our day with a good breakfast. The word breakfast implies breaking the fasting period from the nighttime hours.

How crucial must it be for our spiritual bodies if this is true for our natural bodies?

If we want strength for the day, we must start with time in God's presence and in His Word.

'We make time for what is important to us.' This statement is more true now than ever.

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing." John 15:5

Sunday is one morning I find myself waking up before any alarm.

It is the day Jesus' followers have the privilege to gather together as the Bride of Christ.

We gather to worship the One whose breath is in our lungs (Job 33:4)

I don't know your story, my friends. But I would not be alive today if it were not for Jesus Christ.

I surrendered my life to Him over forty years ago. Although I have experienced storms, trials, and tragedies, Jesus was always there beside me to see me through.

"So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name." Psalms 63:4

Before I gave my heart to the Lord, I was a teenage girl buried in deep depression.

Although I lived in a home with a loving family all around me, I felt useless, ugly, unloved, and unwanted. In other words, I listened to the lies of an unseen enemy who relentlessly whispered in my ear.

I struggled with verbal communication, so I filled every moment I could with music.

I used the lyrics of songs to express the heartache and pain my soul was experiencing. I had a large three-ring binder full of lyrics of sad songs.

One evening in particular, the pain was too great. So, I went up to my room and began taking sleeping pills. I swallowed four or five tablets when suddenly, a presence filled the room. I heard a voice, not audible yet, clear, distinct, and firm. The Voice said, "Stop! Trust in me, and you will find the love you are looking for in due time."

The Voice continued, "Go downstairs and stay awake for two hours."

I felt so much love from that Voice that I was compelled to do as instructed.

A few months later, I met a young man who would lead me to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Two years after that, he became my husband.

"Unless Your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction." Psalm 119:92

I no longer have that three-ring binder of sad songs. Instead, I have a whole new collection of lyrics in my soul.

They are words filled with life, hope, and victory. They are God's Word.

"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people." Psalms 22:22

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord." Psalm 134:2

Some say, "I'm uncomfortable raising my hands at church."

It's interesting seeing some of the same people who have said that at a sporting event. They have no qualms about raising their voices, jumping, shouting, or even raising their hands.

They willingly and unapologetically become spectacles.

Why is that?

No athlete can protect, heal, or save you. No athlete knew you before the earth was ever formed. No athlete ever died for you, defeated your mortal enemy, and gave you authority over evil.

Jesus Christ did all those things for you and more.

Let me be clear: God is not an author of confusion. He will not operate in chaos. I am not talking about drawing attention to ourselves within a church setting. Instead, we gather to glorify the name of Jesus and His alone.

The Bible is filled with verses telling us to lift our hands and voices to the One True, Holy God of the universe.

As for me, I will unapologetically obey His Word.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16

Our enemy no longer hides in the shadows. He blatantly roars all around us. Therefore, we can not afford to be timid. We must carry the light of the Kingdom into the darkness. We must risk being uncomfortable and unpopular for the sake of the lost, hurting souls around us.

The world may see us as spectacles, but we must trust that the God of the Angel Armies has appointed us to be on this planet for such a time as this.

He sees you,

He knows you,

and He's cheering you on.

Let's Go!

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" Isaiah 6:8