After getting a nice accumulation (snow) all day Saturday, it was a cold, cold Sunday morning and worship was postponed to a later time that day (2 p.m.). Despite the wind cold weather, we were especially excited about worship! The family got to eat at McDonalds nearby Fairfax church then just as time drew near, we hurried over to give God our hearts and praises! There were very few to worship God, 23 were present showing God's glory!
We returned home to watch the NFL playoffs. I was actually rooting for the teams that lost both championship! I was hoping to see Falcons play in the Super Bowl against the Steelers. I am not a fan of the Eagles (sorry, Eagles fans). ; ) Something caught my eye as we watched the games. The people! They were faithful, even to the point of a potential hypothermia!
The weather forecast was: 11 degrees (and dropping) with a minus 1 (-1) wind chill (and dropping).
The stadium was, with great emphasis, "PACKED"! They rooted, roaringly, for their home football team. They braved the frigid cold to watch their team do one thing, "Win and go to the Super Bowl." Faces were painted. In spite for attention, some bare (upper bodies) were visible. Philadelphia had the worse accumulation of snow than we did in Virginia, yet the fans braved the impossible road conditions to get to the game. Even most of the fans stood outside of the stadium in what is called, "Tailgating" cooking and drinking hours before the start of the game. It shows their desperation, their love of the game.
How we wished it was the same with Christians! Despite the cold and the snow, we long to worship God along with other brothers and sisters like the fans. How marvelous it would be if we "tailgated outside the church" hours before the start of worship! A hearing member of the church came up to me asking if worship begins at 2 p.m.. I told her, "Yes." Then she went on to say, "But it's really cold out there." I told her, "Beats sitting outside at the football stadium for 3 hours watching the football game today!" God desires that we feel such assurance and desperation. Regardless of any circumstances, He enjoys our company and longs to spend time with us. It's unfathomable, really! The majestic Lord of all creation - of water, earth and sky.... ruler of the universe who ordains the sun to rise and fall.... Almighty God of wonders beyond our galaxy - dwells in our very midst... in spirit. He knows our heart. Do you know your own heart? Is the "fear" (respect) for God in your heart?
So when we admire the brave fans of football, how much more do we admire the brave Christians who comes to worship God regardless of the weather! We need to realize like never before - THE VULNERABILITY.... Joy near dread.... A wonderful ache.... Unconditional love.... Gaining profound insight concerning the heart of our Holy God - Abba - our Heavenly Father. He created us to be "intimate with Him, passionately intimate."
Instead of allowing the effects of the cold weather hinder your faith, we ought to feel the warmth of God's love by singing this:
God of wonders beyond our galaxy,
You are holy...., holy.....
The universe declares Your majesty,
You are holy...., holy....
Lord of Heaven and earth....
Then "One Cold Day" will be a warm one!
"Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!" Ps.8:1, 3
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