PASTOR RAFAEL ON WORSHIP

March 2, 2009 by admin.

PASTOR RAFAEL ON WORSHIP, Pastor Rafael Oliveira

I love history. I love how it unfolds and how God takes care of His people according to His master plan. I especially love it when the people involved put their trust in the Lord—even though they cannot see the future.

Consider King Hezekiah. In the first month of his reign, he reopened the Temple and summoned all of the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves and purify the Temple. After the consecration, the city officials were assembled, and Hezekiah commanded the priests to make sacrifices to atone for the sins of Israel. As the burnt offering began, the Levites—stationed in the Temple with all their instruments—led worship. The entire assembly bowed down and worshiped God Almighty. What a service that must have been!

Fast forward fourteen years. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, threatened to destroy Jerusalem and utterly humiliate King Hezekiah and the people. Hezekiah readied the city for the attack, but most importantly, he went to the Temple and prayed to the Lord. His prayers for deliverance were answered, and the Assyrian army was annihilated!

Prayer is a powerful weapon. But, just as a weapon without ammunition is powerless, prayer without faith is just a nice collection of words or a religious act. King Hezekiah prayed. He did not see the future, but he had faith in God. And…God delivered His people.

I would like to encourage you to pray. Pray with faith. Use the worship time during Sunday morning and Wednesday night services to pray the lyrics that we sing. Worship God through your prayers as the instruments play. Pray to be delivered from the “Sennacherib” in your life so that God’s name will be glorified. Believe me, He will deliver you!

Posted in Pastor Rafael, Newsletter | Print | No Comments »