Worship Devotional LXXXIV
Originally posted to the Facebook group on 8/14/2021.
Worship Devotional for 8/15/21
Psalm 127:1:
"Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain."
The things we build fade away, but what God builds lasts forever. His works endure forever. We spend so much of our time and resources and energy pursuing things that will not last. They will fade away. The world and its systems and its empty promises are fleeting. As believers, we know that this life we live now in the flesh is not all there is. We wait for the life to come, which was promised to us in Christ Jesus and is eternal. Therefore, our lives should reflect what we say we believe, for we know that if our faith is real, it will show in our works.
James 2:26:
"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."
So what are we building? What are we putting our time and energy and resources toward? Are we trying to fit in with the world by pursuing things that don't last and are found in the end to be worthless? Or are we following the Spirit of Christ who lives in us as He leads us to do good works in faith and love? This week as we gather together to sing the praises of the One who is our solid foundation — who is at work among us to build His church for His glory on earth in every nation — let us pray that God would awaken us to pursue the things of heaven, which are true and eternal, and to do good works for His kingdom and glory, which will result in an eternal reward.
Hebrews 13:14-16:
"For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come. Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name. Don't neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices."
Songs:
Even when we go through the darkest valleys and the hardest struggles, God's love remains true and steadfast. It may not always feel like it, but nonetheless God's love is consistent, eternal, faithful, and true. When we feel weak and broken, we can still run back to our Father in heaven who loves us and find rest and healing in His arms. This is available to us because we are now called God's children, and that is based on faith in what Jesus did for us, and not on our own works or merit. So no matter how hard we fall, He is able to pick us up and to restore our souls. Whatever you may be going through right now, know that God's love, which was proven by the cross of Christ, never changes or diminishes. He will never leave nor forsake you. So turn your heart back to your heavenly Father, get up, and keep seeking Him.
Romans 8:31-39:
"What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare His own Son but offered Him up for us all; how will He not also with Him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God's elect? God is the One who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction of anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
2) Build My Life by Pat Barrett
Nothing is stronger or greater than the love of God, and nothing else can satisfy forever. Indeed, His love is better than life itself! Because God's love is so steadfast and faithful, we can build our lives on it. In fact, this is what we are called to do. As we were reminded of last week, the first and most important command from the Lord — the most important thing there is — is to love God with all our hearts and souls and minds and strength. And the second is to love our neighbors as ourselves. So with this song we pray that God would open our eyes and fill us with His love, and that He would strengthen us to build our lives upon His love so that the world may know that those who put their trust in Him will never be shaken.
3) Jesus Firm Foundation by Jason Ingram
1 Corinthians 3:11:
"For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 2:19-22:
"So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. You also are being built together for God's dwelling in the Spirit."
1 Peter 2:1-5:
"So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation, since you have tasted that the Lord is good. Coming to Him, a living stone — rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God — you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
4) Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective
Psalm 145:13:
"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; Your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His actions."
1 Corinthians 15:58:
"Therefore, my dear brothers, by steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Theme(s): God's Building, Foundation, Cornerstone, Eternity, Good Works, Steadfast Love
Scripture references:
Psalms 118, 127, 145
Proverbs 19:21
Isaiah 28:14-29 (esp. v. 16)
Matthew 5:3-20, 7:24-29, 25:14-30
Romans 8:31-39
1 Corinthians 3
Ephesians 2
Philippians 2:1-18
2 Timothy 2:19-26
Hebrews 10:19-25, 11, 13 (esp. vv. 14-16)
James 1:19-27, 2:14-26
1 Peter 2