January 24, 2019
Exodus 20:18-19
When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”
New International Version (NIV)
                Billy Graham came to Waco when I was a young preacher.  Thousands of Baptists filed into a barn called the Heart of Texas Coliseum.  I remember the anticipation of hearing him preach.  We did not have much T.V. in Germany in my teens, but I did get to hear him preach.  He sent me Bible memory verses from Navigators.  He was one of the first to disciple me at a distance.  Now I would get to hear him speak in person.  He walked in and said, “I have two sermons and I don’t know which one to preach.  Let me pray and then I will decide.”  The preacher of the Hour of Decision was still deciding what to preach on the way to the pulpit.  But when he spoke, we all listened. 

                Imagine the people of Israel when God wanted to talk with them.  They had seen him part the Red Sea.  He had fed them manna.  But would they hear and heed his voice?   Moses told the people to get ready for church, so to speak.  “Put on your best clothes.  Get your hearts ready.”

               Then God met Moses on the mountain and gave him ten words to teach the people how to live.  Those words have stood the test of time.  Lightning flashed and thunder rolled.  But there were no “selfies.”  Nobody yawned.  Other appointments were canceled.  The Israelites trembled with fear.  They said, “you talk to us Moses but do not let God speak to us or we will die.”

                There is something to be said for reverence in worship.  Our God is not to be trifled with.  We read in Hebrews, “Our God is a consuming fire.”  How then shall we get ready to worship him this weekend?  It is not too early to start.  Lay out the clothes.  Examine your heart.  The consuming Fire himself is coming to church.  Prepare to meet your God.  When God speaks, we should hear and obey.  His words give life.
Pray with me:    
Father, give us appropriate reverence in your presence today.  Make our hearts ready for worship now.  Let us tremble before God our Creator and Redeemer.  Speak to our hearts.  We are ready to do your will.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.       
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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