Burning!

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32

Not sure how you felt last Sunday, but I would have to say that my heart was burning within me.   God was in this place and revealing just a glimpse of Himself to us.

This incredible focus on real worship has taken us as a church body to a new level.  We must understand that He seeks True Worshipers.   We can have that burning within us each day if we have the proper understanding of worship.

I’ve discovered that anyone can say they are a Christian, but few actually live it.  In fact, I’m reminded of a quote I read a few years ago by author John Eldredge that really caught my attention:

“There’s talk of freedom and abundant life, of peace like a river and joy unspeakable, but we see precious little of it, to be honest.”

Ouch!  What an incredible statement!  He continues:

“When you stand them side by side, the description of the Christian life practically shouted in the New Testament compared with the actual life of most Christians, it’s embarrassing.”

Why is that?  Could it be that we are not true worshipers?   Could it be we have been worshiping God based on the rumors of what others have said instead of experiencing Him for ourselves?

Job had that realization.   Look at this incredible passage:

Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans.  You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’  I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand-from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry-forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.” Job 42:5-6 (Msg)

Incredible!  Job experienced God himself, and didn’t rely on what others told him.  Let that be our reasonable response to who God is and what He has done.

A friend of mine recently wrote a book talking about this very concept of trading in the rumors of God for a first-hand faith called: Secondhand Jesus.  I am reading the book and highly recommend it.

He also wrote a song that goes along with this verse in Job.  To view it, simply click: “Burning in Me”.

Remember, don’t come “TO” worship Sunday, come worshipping!

Enjoy it and come Sunday ready for your heart to burn within you.

Consumed,

Pastor Shane