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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Worship (corporate) (10/04/07)
“Open my eyes, Lord…”

I wonder if Tiffany will go to the altar to pray again this morning?

“I want to see Jesus.”

Ah, there she goes – just like clockwork. She can’t resist.

“To reach out and touch Him…”

I wish those people behind me would stop talking, they’re driving me nuts – don’t they know this is a worship service not a coffee shop?

“And say that we love Him.”

Oh, please I think the guitar player is just up there for show. Do they even have his guitar going through the sound system? He’s terrible. How can I sing with that going on? Good it’s over.

"Take your seats please."

Oh great another snooze ya lose sermons. Can’t the guy at least sound excited. Maybe tell a few jokes. Would it hurt him to lighten up a bit?

"In John chapter 3…”

OK, autopilot, I’ve heard this one before. I hope this gets over before the big game. I filled out one of those questionnaires. I distinctly remember writing SHORTER SERMONS on the suggestion line. Sure glad it was anonymous.

…drone…drone…drone – will this punishment never end?

Amen? No I wasn’t sleeping. It’s over? Yes, I knew that.

Standing in line. Shake the pastors hand and then go. Dear God, would you please make this line move a little faster? Does everyone have to tell the pastor about their poor cousin Claire? Oh, that’s right, don’t forget the bunions and arthritis. Come on folks send him a postcard. Move it!

Oh great now the restaurant’s going be packed. Thank you everyone! I guess I’ll just eat an early supper thanks to your bunions.

“Oh, nice to see you to Jim.” Call yourself a Christian cheating people at your dealership.

“Wonderful service pastor.” I think. It’s been a hard week and then you expect me to come and pay attention on Sunday?

“What? What did I get out of the service?” Come on, what was the reference? Ah, John 3. “God loved us so much he sent His son to die for us.” Ah, he’s smiling – I nailed it. Whew.

“What do you mean I wasn’t listening? How could I know the passage? You saw me sleeping?” Why are the people staring at me.

“Oh, like you’ve never slept in church. Really you people sicken me.” Why is everyone quiet?

Ouch! An elbow in the ribs is never a good sign. Why am I in the pew?

“Open my eyes Lord…”

Everyone stands as I crumble inside. I did not come to worship today, yet God took my mental wonderings and led me to the foot of His throne and invited me to so something about my morbid view of this time together.

Today I would beat Tiffany to the altar. There was much to deal with in this time of worship and I stand as the chief among white washed tombs.

“I want to see Jesus…”

I don’t just want to do church Jesus, I want to be church.

“To reach out and touch Him…”

The holes, the scars, for me.

“And say that we love Him”

I have been so wrong, Jesus. Forgive the casual way I have come into your presence.

I want to leave – changed.


My story? Not exactly, but I must admit a certain heart of stone from time to time. It can be easy to observe the stony hearts along with the solidly disinterested in a comgregation, but that’s not why we are there.

Worship is the exchange of our adoration for something that cannot be adequately described and can provide a moment that cannot be duplicated when we are rightly related to the One worthy of our praise.

Worship is not just music to be enjoyed, it is not drama to be experienced and it is not a sermon to be consumed. It is all these elements understood in the heart of those most interested in meeting with God and knowing there is reason to honor Him above sports, sleep, meals and any other idol we find distracting.

Open our eyes indeed.
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This article has been read 1323 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynda Schultz 
10/11/07
I'm ashamed to say that this reader at least, can share your thoughts. It's so easy to come to worship with a cold heart and a bad attitude. Yes, "open our eyes, Lord, we DO want to see Jesus." Well done.
Joanne Sher 
10/12/07
Incredibly powerful and convicting - I think we have ALL been there, to an extent, sometimes. Love the form of this.
william price
10/14/07
Very creative. POint well made! Great reader involvment and presentation. God bless.
Jan Ackerson
10/15/07
Really well crafted--I usually don't care for the kind of epilogue you've put here, but you did it exactly right--this is a really strong piece.
Laury Hubrich
10/15/07
So many stepping on toes this week:) This is a very good piece.
Laury
Betty Castleberry
10/15/07
You've given me much to think about. Well done.
Therese Witkus
10/15/07
The sad truth of your story is also lightened a bit by your humor. And because we are human, we will each have one of these days somewhere on the journey. I enjoyed your style.
Al Boyce
10/15/07
Yes, that was me 12 years ago. (You forgot the crossword puzzle I did during the sermon -- made it look like I was taking notes). Good job on the internal dialog.