Hello, gentle readers...
Happy Mardi Gras to those who participate in that celebration. It's not my idea of fun, but to each his own. If you are not familiar, on the Gulf Coast there is a big battle as to where the idea of Mardi Gras came about. It's celebrated in grand fashion in New Orleans, but everyone along the Coast gets into the act. There is no shortage of cheap plastic beads and corny dubloons, and silly floats pulled by trucks you can buy on the cheap after the parades. In deference to my friends in Mardi Gras land, the tradition began in Mobile, Alabama with a celebration by Joe Cain. Joe decided to parade in the streets and it quickly became tradition. So, to those with a party spirit, Happy Mardi Gras.
It's interesting to me that we can put on our happy clothes, string ourselves with beads, and parade like complete idiots through the streets hollering for Moon Pies. Yet, we cannot get outside ourselves to allow the joy of the Lord to inhabit our worship and praise. Hmmm. It seems we are missing something, doesn't it?
Think about it. Why can we not worship with such complete abandon? What a relief it would be to worship our God with such joy and excitement. But, instead, we sit in our pews with our stone cold faces and try to seem pious. Dear God, deliver us from our stuffy, arrogant spirits!
1 Chronicles 16:29b says, "...worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness." Psalm 100:2 says, "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:4, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise..."
Ever drive around and see people singing along to the radio in their cars? They sing with such gusto, regardless of their singing talent. They joyfully belt out every tune that their brain remembers. So, why can't we do the same in our churches? Let's take time to sing out, belt out a song to the Lord. Hey, He said to make a joyful noise...He didn't say to whom it had to be joyful!
So, today when you pull out your Bible and take some quiet time before Him, try singing a joyful song to Him at the top of your lungs. You'll be surprised. Not only will it bless the Lord, it will bless your heart.
Psalm 100:1, "Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth!"
May God richly bless you this day...and may you richly bless God!
CLG-B
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1 comment:
Hi Jo,
I say dance on! I admit I have issues with some of the "loose" behavior, but there's nothing wrong with enjoying a good party.
I would love, however, to see those of us who claim the label of Christian completely enjoy ourselves with the same exhuberance in worship.
Thanks for your comments!
CLG-B
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