"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more
ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider
not that they do evil."
Ecclesiastes 5:1
Every sincere Christian is much concerned about getting the maximum
benefit out of the divine services he attends in his church. To this
end there is some very sound advice given by King Solomon, the sage of
the OT. His advice might be stated thus: Make the proper preparation
for your visit to the LORD'S house, and come for the right purpose.
Should not this preparation begin already on Saturday evening with
prayers and devotions at home? Then arrange to come in ample time on
Sunday so as to gain that composure which is so vital to reverent
worship. Then be ready to hear! To every Christian pastor the Savior
says: "He that heareth you, heareth Me." The pastor who preaches God's
Word stands in the pulpit in . . .
"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil."
Ecclesiastes 5:1
Every sincere Christian is much concerned about getting the maximum benefit out of the divine services he attends in his church. To this end there is some very sound advice given by King Solomon, the sage of the OT. His advice might be stated thus: Make the proper preparation for your visit to the LORD'S house, and come for the right purpose.
Should not this preparation begin already on Saturday evening with prayers and devotions at home? Then arrange to come in ample time on Sunday so as to gain that composure which is so vital to reverent worship. Then be ready to hear! To every Christian pastor the Savior says: "He that heareth you, heareth Me." The pastor who preaches God's Word stands in the pulpit in the Savior's stead. We ought to await his message with eager expectancy. If we bear in mind that the text which he expounds originated in the mind of God and that is a truth brought from heaven down to earth, we will want to hear how the pastor develops and applies it to our particular needs and circumstances. The sermon ended and the worship over, there comes the main part, having heard the Word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Christian friends, we are inclined to hear only part of what God is saying to us through His Word. But genuine hearing includes careful listening accompanied by obedience.
A house of worship is a place
For praise and reverent prayer;
Let holy thoughts your spirit fill
Each time you enter there.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - From thy house when I return, may my heart within me burn, and at evening let me say: "I have walked with God today." Amen