Scripture

Having our eyes fixed on Jesus, the guide and end of our faith, who went through the pains of the cross, not caring for the shame, because of the joy which was before him, and who has now taken his place at the right hand of God’s seat of power.

Hebrews 12:2, BBE

Quote

A single look at Christ will do you more good than pouring over your sins and wounds for a month.

~John Newton

The key to worship is to get your mind off yourself. If you are looking at yourself, you are not looking at Jesus. One of the reasons I share this is my own personal struggle. I love worship; it sets my soul free, but I am easily distracted. I sit on the front row for many reasons and one is to avoid distractions. If I close my eyes during praise and worship, it is because I am trying to avoid all distractions. Folks, the devil is a master at distractions. He will use unruly kids trotting in and out to the rest room. He will use sweet innocent little babies. He will use those who talk during the service or who walk through the sanctuary. He loves distractions.

I am not sure that John Newton has ever said anything that I disagree with and when I read his quote, I knew immediately that he was right. I wish there was an age limit on stupid but there is not, and it drives me up the wall when I do or say something stupid. I can’t get into my building or get sit down without him bringing it up. “You know, what you did the other day was stupid. Let’s face it, you are a loser. You come in your little building and set down to read your bible but you are a hypocrite. You keep making the same dumb mistakes all the time. A real Christian would be much further along than you.” I hate sin because it gives the devil grounds to accuse me. The devil treated the reformer Martin Luther the same way he treats me. One night he was accusing Luther who finally got out of bed and told him to give his best shot. Satan would mention another sin and Luther would respond, lets hear them all. When Satan had run out of accusations: Luther said, “Write accross your list of accusations: THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN.

There is someone the devil hates more than you and that is Jesus. Just go to praising Jesus and he will flee. Praising Jesus torments him. This is one of many reasons we need to get our minds off of ourselves and focus on Christ. It is the only way to defeat Satan.

Extra

Praise the LORD for two very good services yesterday and another one this morning at Breakfast and the Bible. I hope you have a great day and week. Thanks for reading the blog.