Monterrey Devotion 2008 Day 5: Worship

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

We are just hours away from our final corporate worship time together with our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Monterrey. Aren’t you thankful for this time we’ve had? Just spend a moment rejoicing in what the Lord has done. Be specific.

Read Philippians Chapter 4: 3-20. I love the way that Paul closes this letter with this chapter. He rejoices in verse 4. He encourages in verse 6. In verse 7, He shares the peace (a wonderful tradition in other denominations—a time in each service where you turn to your neighbor and simply say “Peace be with you.” And they reply, “and also with you.” It’s really a very meaningful part of some liturgies).

Then, here’s what he says in verses 8 and 9:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

I love that Paul leads by example. We can learn from the example of our brothers and sisters here in Monterrey. Weren’t you overwhelmed by their hospitality? How about their joyful spirits? The warm welcome? The light in their eyes? Think about those things listed in verse 8 –true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Does it remind you of anything?

Turn to and read Psalm 19. Do you find a similar list?
Starting in verse 7, the Lord is perfect, true, right, radiant, pure, sure, more precious than gold, sweeter than honey. Meditate for a moment on His goodness and His radiance. Just bask in His glory. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Finally, flip back to Philippians 4. Just before Paul’s final farewell, he says in verses 19 & 20, “And my God will meet ALL your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Remember on the first day, how I said John was my favorite book? Read this beloved disciple’s and fellow worshiper’s account in Revelation 7:11-12 where he visions what Paul says, “All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

Today is a day of worship. Today is a day where we simply come before His Throne. We join with the saints that have gone before, present worshipers around the world, and as John shows us Heavenly worshipers truly in the midst of God’s glory. Lift up your eyes to Him, and lift up your voice with praise to our God forever and ever. He is worthy!

Alleluia!
For the Lord God Almighty Reigns!
Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord, God Almighty.
Worthy is the Lamb.
Amen!