Give it Where it is Due

by Cicely Wilson

Psalm 29:1-2  Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to teh Lord glory and strength.  Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness or in holy array.

Hebrew definition of "Ascribe:"  To give, to go to, to bring, to ascribe, come on, set, take.

 

 

Understandably, there are several different forms and expressions of worship which are displayed in the church today.  There is worship that is radical and loud as well as worship that is more reserved and conservative.  Different strokes for different folks, after all, every person is distinct in personality. 

 

Nevertheless, no matter what suits your fancy or is the most authentic style of worship for you, it is important to recognize to give the Lord that which is DUE His name.  I say this to dispel the popular opinion that we are to congregate together as the Church of Jesus Christ to GET something from the Lord.  Too many times I am saddened in my spirit by the apathy toward praise and worship that is displayed in some congregations today. 

 

It is my belief that this is due to the people of God who have not come to the house of Lord with a heart prepared to extend worship to the King.  I use that word "extend" because a true worshipper of God does not only demonstrate adoration to the Lord when there is a "service". 

 

Could it be for those who are challenged in worship in being free to pour love on the Father have little or no worship experience with God outside of "church" in order to have anything to give?  So what do these saints resort to?  Waiting on instructions to raise their hands, shout "Glory! Hallelujah!", while placing unspoken demands on the leaders of worship to "bring them" into the presence of God.  God forbid that they don't care for the songs for that day, I'm sorry God, you can forget getting what you are DUE.  

 

According to Psalm 29:1-2 we are to ASCRIBE to the Lord, meaning GIVE, GO TO, BRING, GIVE OUT, SET, etc.  I like that word SET, it suggests to me an establishment of preparation, an intent, a goal, a purposed pursuit.  SET.  It's a verb, meaning it does something...first with making the decision that I WILL bless the Lord at ALL TIMES.  I will GIVE OUT to the Lord.  I will BRING to Him the glory that is DUE His name.  Notice I've frequently emphasized that word "due". 

 

Due speaks of obligation, not something determined based on how you feel that day.  DUE.  It belongs to Him.  Praise....Worship....IT BELONGS TO HIM.  Why?  Simply because of His WORTHship of it.  Not based on "your song" coming on or how cute your outfit is that day in order for you to be seen.  I challenge you to worship Him in Spirit and in truth when no music is playing, when no leader is giving you instruction, when you're not being seen...except by Him.  This is true worship.  That's why it is spoken of as a lifestyle.  

 

I received a glorious nugget today that I will leave with you..."You can't worship until you VALUE what God (the King) is offering."  So, if you happen to be one of those who are challenged with spontaneous worship, assess how much you value the God that is DUE all glory, honor, and praise.

 

Cicely Victoria Wilson is an equipper of people and revealer of truth and wisdom.  She writes to impart, provoke, empower, stir, equip, reform, contend, encourage, heal, reveal, expose, challenge, identify, help, strengthen, and above all.....LOVE.  Through her writing she desires to create an awareness of present day truth and responsibility of reformation of Godly identity within individuals and systems that produce Kingdom citizens and culture. She can be reached at elochara@yahoo.com.

Inside Out Christianity

by Cicely V. Wilson

 

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (Amplified) What [business] of mine is it adn what right have I to judge outsiders?  Is it not those inside [the church] upon whom  you are to pass disciplinary judgment [passing censuring sentence ont hem as the facts require]? God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside.  Drive otu that wicked one from among you [expel him from your church].

 

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (Message)  I'm not responsible for what the outsiders do, but don't we have some responsibility for those within our community of believers? God decides on the outsiders, but we need to decide when our brothers and sisters are out of line and, if necessary, clean house.

There are so many dimensions of church culture I can address, yet I want to expound upon where my passion lies the most:  the PEOPLE and BEHAVIOR that lies within the church.  First and foremost, let me say that the church is not a BUILDING where Christians congregate every Sunday morning.  The church is within the souls and spirits of the people Jesus died for.  In fact, a building alone does not become "the church" until those who proclaim Christ gather there...before we arrive, it is an edifice like any other.  Take a pause and think about that (Selah).

 

Given this fact, the people within a congregation are responsible for its condition and reputation at any point in time.  Jesus left us "in charge" to continue the work He began in the Earth. 

 

My heart is grieved by the amount of pervasive and gross darkness that is able to run rampant throughout the Church of Jesus Christ today.  It is shameful and detestable in the eyes and heart of God.  It is not solely the reality of the sin that is alarming; but even more so that the children of God--even in leadership positions, that are aware of the blatant sin and rebellion  in the lives of one another--permit it to take place by way of SILENCE. 

 

I am a strong advocate of conducting frequent self-assessment as people in general, but especially as children of God.  The Word of God (the Bible) exhorts us to judge ourselves, lest we be judged.  If a person is not honest or transparent enough with themselves to self-assess, then accountability from other trusted people should be sought and welcomed. 

 

The Body of Christ is a FAMILY.  That means we belong to and are indebted to one another as brothers and sisters.  Our lives DO NOT belong to ourselves...they are God's alone.  The sinful behaviors that we entertain (allow) in the Church...IS OUR BUSINESS.  GET INVOLVED.  THIS IS WHAT LOVE DOES.  THIS IS WHAT GOD WOULD DO AND PERMITS US TO DO.  His Word declares that He chastises the ones He loves... let's be like Jesus and bring CORRECTION...first to ourselves and equally to each other...it is our right and responsibility in order to BE THE CHURCH God originally designed us to be.

 

I haven't nearly been able to efficiently scratch the surface of my passion as it relates to this epidemic in the present day Church.  However, start with yourself today and ask God daily to help you to search your own life.  If we more effectively handle our individual lives according to God's biblical pattern, the Body of Christ as a collective Church can have the power required to revolutionize and reform a world in preparation for the Coming of our Risen Lord. 

 

My-Life, if you go to church and believe in Christ, what steps do you take daily to perform a self-assessment?  If you do not go to church or believe in Christ, what kinds of behaviors do you see from Christians that make you NOT want to become one, all things being equal?

 

 

Cicely Victoria Wilson is an equipper of people and revealer of truth and wisdom.  She writes to impart, provoke, empower, stir, equip, reform, contend, encourage, heal, reveal, expose, challenge, identify, help, strengthen, and above all.....LOVE.  Through her writing she desires to create an awareness of present day truth and responsibility of reformation of Godly identity within individuals and systems that produce Kingdom citizens and culture. She can be reached at elochara@yahoo.com.

The "P" Principle

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)

This scripture is the embodiment of my present day.  May will mark one year since I earned my double Master's degree (with honors) from a very prestigious university.  Whoopee and praise God, right? 

Well, one year after graduation, I still find myself without full time work in my field of study.  I had no idea of the trials and tribulation that would face me as I began my journey of transition into a new career.  Entry level pay, over-qualifications, hours invested in completing online applications, ineligibility for unemployment, technically "homeless", and the list goes on. 

What was going on? 

It was not supposed to be this way or be this hard at all.  I spent months doing all I know to do, invested countless hours toward my new future.  "Lord, what am I doing wrong?"  "Why is NOTHING moving for me?"  I began to feel bad for myself, hopeless and helpless.  The Enemy suggested I was a fool for spending all that time and money to go back to school just to find myself in a worse place than before I began.  The Lord informed me that a new level of my faith walk had begun and the "easy" way of life that I was accustomed to before...would be no more.  Why? 

Because the testing of my faith produces PERSEVERANCE.  This new level of faith would be required not for where I've been, but for where He desires to take me.  He began to alter my perspective, get me out of my emotions and the focus of my problems, sober and renew my mind, and provoke me to GO ON (persevere). 

During this process, God established within me a greater level of trust in Him such as I have never experienced before.  Why?  Because I was sad and needed it?  NO.  For the sole purpose that I may be MATURE and COMPLETE...LACKING NOTHING. 

Mature and complete means that my success is no longer based on the work I acquire (or lack thereof), credentials I have received, or money accrued in my bank account.  Rather, my success is determined by my ability to TRUST GOD and GO ON unquestionably, no matter what. 

When I learned to LET GO, and not blame myself, the economy or the devil, I entered into the REST OF GOD.  This is the place of IT DON'T MATTER....GOD IS FOR ME.  This is revelation and peace that comes ONLY from the place of trials, tribulation, and persecution.  No short cuts. 

Perseverance is a principle taught and learned from LIVING.  Submitting to the truth that it is God's agenda....not ours.  God's timing....not our own.  His best interest...not mine.  This existence is not blind...it is trust....and when you YIELD....you have all that you need to persevere. 

One day at a time....GO ON...GO ON...GO ON...enduring until the end.

My-Life, how has living taught you, and what lessons have you learned?

 

Cicely Victoria Wilson is an equipper of people and revealer of truth and wisdom.  She writes to impart, provoke, empower, stir, equip, reform, contend, encourage, heal, reveal, expose, challenge, identify, help, strengthen, and above all.....LOVE.  Through her writing she desires to create an awareness of present day truth and responsibility of reformation of Godly identity within individuals and systems that produce Kingdom citizens and culture.  She can be reached at  elochara@yahoo.com