Monday, January 27, 2014

SOAP 01/27/2014 Exodus 17:11-13

Today's reading: Exodus 17, 18, 19, 20; Acts 3

S) "11 So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. 13 So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."

Exodus 17:11-13 (NASB)
     
O) Worship is an integral part of spiritual warfare (and believe that this battle was every bit a spiritual one, as it was a physical one). This also shows how powerful it is when we raise our hands in worship. It's not as an emotional response to minor chord progressions, it's a deliberate submission to the power of the Almighty God.

A) Of the three traditional disciplines of worship, Bible study, and prayer, I feel the most drawn to worship. I don't know if it's because I spent so much time as a musician (ok, a drummer, at least!) or if my tendency toward worship is what drew me to play an instrument in the first place. Either way, I enjoy worship the most of the three, and could easily spend hours doing it and nothing else. Often times, however, when I feel like I need a victory in my life, I automatically feel like I need to "pray more" or "find the answer in the Bible" and, I don't know why, I seldom think to worship my way through the battle. Of course the Scriptures hold truth and answers to questions, and of course prayer and waiting upon The Lord is valuable, especially during trying times, but I shouldn't suddenly neglect this area of strength on some pretense that other things will be more effective. In sports, they use the phrase, "play to your strengths" and I need to do just that.

P) Father, I love to worship You and to sing Your praises. You are mighty and just, gracious and merciful, patient and full of lovingkindness. You have blessed me with a heart that loves to adore who You are, and loves to sing and make music to proclaim that. Remind me, God, that it is completely appropriate for me to worship You in times of trouble. When I am in the middle of a battle, let me remember that You hear my cry when I sing out to You. Thank You for giving me this heart of worship. Let me remain humble and honest in it. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

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