Worship Devotional XXII
Originally posted to the Facebook group on 4/24/2020.
Worship Devotional for 4/26/20
Isaiah 41:10:
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand."
We can look around and see many reasons to be afraid. Threats of loss, suffering, and death loom before us at every turn. There's fear, panic, and uncertainty rampant among the people in every nation. Everyone — from the destitute poor and forgotten on the streets to rich politicians and government leaders — are striving with all their might to find answers, some form of comfort and hope to cling to in strange and dark times. Empty words, unconvincing promises, and conflicting opinions flood our eyes and ears and create distractions of doubt and fear. Where can one turn? How can we escape? Why should we not be afraid?
I may be speaking dramatically, but the fact is that without Jesus there is no hope. You and I are guilty of sin, along with everyone else. We deserve judgment from God. He in His mercy and love has made a way — one way — for people to be saved. By believing in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we can be saved from wrath and given eternal life!
So then, for the world it makes sense that there should be chaos and fear in uncertain and changing times, since they don't have any real and lasting hope. But it makes no sense for believers. Why? Because our hope is not in ourselves or in any nation or in the things of the world. Our hope is in the One who conquered death, who overcame the world, and who won the ultimate victory! Now, having died and been raised to new life in Christ Jesus, we share in His victory (read Romans 6:1-14).
1 John 5:3-5:
"For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
John 16:33:
"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."
Here are the songs:
1) Once For All by Shane & Shane
Hebrews 10:10-14
"By this will of God, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all.
Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. He is now waiting until His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified."
See also: Hebrews 7 (esp. v. 27), 9, 10:15-18
2) It Is Finished by Dustin Kensrue
This song calls for rejoicing. As Jesus died on that cross, He cried, "it is finished!" The Righteous Son of God has declared that the work of the Father for our salvation and redemption is done! The war has been won! Victory is ours in Jesus Christ! May we learn to walk in that victory as we endure the temporary struggles of this life, looking forward to the eternal glory to come, which has been won and freely given to us who believe by Jesus Christ our Lord.
3) My Victory by David Crowder
Things may appear a certain way to our eyes, yet God is working in ways we can't comprehend. We must believe what Romans 8:28 says: that "...all things work together for the good of those who love God..." He knows what He's doing, even though we may not. That's why we are commanded to trust and believe in Him rather than to fully know what is beyond our ability to comprehend. This song reminds us of this truth: that God is doing greater things than what appears to be happening before our eyes. His love had to bleed for us. His death became hell's defeat. A cross of crucifixion, meant to inflict horrific suffering and death on sinners, became the symbol of victory for sinners redeemed and made saints.
4) Victory In Jesus by Eugene M. Bartlett
Through our trials and struggles and brokenness, we can still sing this hymn of victory, because our victory is not in us, but in Jesus. The truth of the gospel still stands through everything we face. If you feel like you are losing, return to the foundation of the gospel. Remember that you have victory simply by believing in Jesus' name, for He has won the war and defeated sin and death.
5) Christ Our Hope In Life And Death by Keith & Kristyn Getty
What is our hope in life and death? Christ alone! The world has no hope in death, but only fear. Let us shine as those who have come to know the One who is the only true hope for mankind, having been redeemed by His blood. Hallelujah!
Hebrews 2:14-15:
"Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death — that is, the Devil — and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death."
Scriptures:
Psalm 110, 118
Isaiah 55
Luke 7:20-23
John 1:29, 14:1-6, 19:30
1 Corinthians 15 (esp. vv. 54-57)
Colossians 2:12-15
1 Peter 3:18
Revelation 21-22
We have everything we need in Christ Jesus. He has won the victory for us. Therefore we have the ultimate source of strength to fight the battles we face, as well as the ultimate source of rest and peace when the wars raging around and within us feel overwhelming. Keep trusting and believing and rejoicing in Him!