For the heart of this people
is waxed gross, and their
ears are dull of hearing.
Acts 28:27a
It’s been a difficult day. This morning’s chapel service was something of a struggle, and it was only by the grace of God that we got through it...
is waxed gross, and their
ears are dull of hearing.
Acts 28:27a
It’s been a difficult day. This morning’s chapel service was something of a struggle, and it was only by the grace of God that we got through it...
For whatever reasons, there was a heaviness in the atmosphere. Many faces appeared dull and disinterested in what was being said. They were unresponsive to the words of the ministers. Clearly something was wrong. I’ve encountered this before.
Frankly, I find it both puzzling and intriguing when on some Sundays almost everyone in attendance appears so lively and energetic, and eager for yet another opportunity to gather together to praise the Lord. While at other times it will be just the opposite. Almost every face will possess a gloomy countenance. Each man would look as if he’d rather be asleep in his bed than sitting in a church. And today was one of these times.
Neither the songs nor the sermon seemed to spark much interest. Neither did the approximately ten minute exhortations from two of our elder brothers. Nothing appeared to uplift anyone’s spirit. At best, there was an occasional faint "Amen." This was about the only evidence that at least a few of the men were still awake and alive.
I had opened the service with a reading from the Bible, and I followed it by leading everyone in a congregational prayer. Then the choir sang several songs, followed by two of our members who presented us with their respective exhortations from the Scriptures. While, after this, the one who was to deliver the sermon came to the pulpit. It was brother Michael, who also happens to be the director of our choir.
Brother Michael preached to us from Psalm 37 on trusting in the Lord, committing all our ways to Him, and delighting ourselves in Him in order to have a joyful and successful spiritual life. It was a good message, if any were awake to hear it. Overall, the resistance to everything was strong. But God’s Word went forth, and this was good enough.
D.B.
Frankly, I find it both puzzling and intriguing when on some Sundays almost everyone in attendance appears so lively and energetic, and eager for yet another opportunity to gather together to praise the Lord. While at other times it will be just the opposite. Almost every face will possess a gloomy countenance. Each man would look as if he’d rather be asleep in his bed than sitting in a church. And today was one of these times.
Neither the songs nor the sermon seemed to spark much interest. Neither did the approximately ten minute exhortations from two of our elder brothers. Nothing appeared to uplift anyone’s spirit. At best, there was an occasional faint "Amen." This was about the only evidence that at least a few of the men were still awake and alive.
I had opened the service with a reading from the Bible, and I followed it by leading everyone in a congregational prayer. Then the choir sang several songs, followed by two of our members who presented us with their respective exhortations from the Scriptures. While, after this, the one who was to deliver the sermon came to the pulpit. It was brother Michael, who also happens to be the director of our choir.
Brother Michael preached to us from Psalm 37 on trusting in the Lord, committing all our ways to Him, and delighting ourselves in Him in order to have a joyful and successful spiritual life. It was a good message, if any were awake to hear it. Overall, the resistance to everything was strong. But God’s Word went forth, and this was good enough.
D.B.
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