Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the Master in front of a warm fire this morning, and my time with Him was all about praise. I have a ton of things to take before the Throne of my God every day, and I have lots of needs to pray for. But today, all my heart could do was praise Him for all that He is and all that He does for me. I know that God doesn’t care about my voice or my lame attempt to play this guitar; He cares about my heart instead. I can’t help but to wonder if it makes God smile when we meet with Him with praise in our hearts without an agenda or a list of things we want from Him. Don’t you think about things like this too?
I understand the need for there to be order in the churches especially with so many demanding it. After all, if you quit worrying about pleasing the people; the people quit coming. Church is just part of the Sunday schedule for lots of people and they want to know what time they’ll be set free. If the service takes a little longer than “usual”; the church staff will definitely hear about it. Everything is timed just right…time for 3 or 4 songs…time for a few announcements… time for an offering or for communion… and finally, time for the Pastor to speak. Services today are fine-tuned and well-oiled and most of them run like clockwork. But I wonder what would happen in the orderly church if God showed Himself there one Sunday? Would He be told that He needs to be on the schedule if He wants to speak? How many people would be tapping their feet or looking at their watches impatiently as the service went into overtime? How many people would complain as the Praise songs seemed to have no end? How many people would be more concerned about the pot roast in the oven or the long lines in the restaurants over a little time with the Living God? When God shows up schedules have no significance, and when God shows up there is no longer “order”. How many people are a lot more concerned about “order” than they are about seeking His face? How many people actually long for Him to show up at all? My guess is that most people would prefer a scheduled visit than an impromptu visit by the King. Sad but true.
The “order” of my time with the Living God was altered this morning, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It didn’t matter what I “usually” do or how I “normally” spend my time with Him. What mattered the most is that I had a heart full of love for my God this morning, and I wasn’t looking to Him to do anything for me. I praised Him. I sang to Him. I told Him how much I love Him. I gave Him thanks upon thanks for all that He is and for good He is to me. And God showed up this morning.
Is God on your schedule or are you on His?
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me” – Psalm 13:5-6
My Front Porch 