1 Samuels 5:1-12

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James SungJin Park

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Sep 18, 2013, 7:36:45 PM9/18/13

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Samuels 5:-12

Reading the book of Samuels was like watching the movie Lord of the Rings...WOW!

The Jews and the Philistines both believed that their God was the TRUE GOD. They go to war with each other. To their surprise, they get their butts whooped. Thousands of men die. After their defeat, they had this idea to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord to the battlefield and believed this move will bring the living God on their side. What happens? They get their butts whooped even harder. They Jews did not truly understand the meaning of GOd's presence....the ark is just a visual cu to help them understand God's presence with them not a true presence. Their belief in God was a superstitious at best.

Have I taken the same approach when I encounter difficulties in my life? I don't wear a cross around my neck or carry a bible with me at all times thinking God is with me. In the dining room of my house, I have this picture of a old man praying before a meal. I remember when I was young someone telling me that if I am a righteous man of Christ, I was suppose to see an angel and a devil in the picture. Let me tell you... I stared at that picture so hard because I didn't want to go to hell. Do you guys know which picture I'm talking about?Anywhoo...

How about non objects? I did think when I was young that if I sin less, my difficulties in life will go away. I'm know this "sin less" thinking also falls in the category of a wrong perception of God. How about right now?

Lately, God keeps reminding me serving tirelessly in ministry does not get me the automatic pass to Heaven. If I'm serving without Christ in my heart I am nothing more than a upgraded faker and no better compared to the Jews of 1 Samuels?

Unlike the Jews of 1 Samuels, Jesus Christ got us a clean start and gave us all the tools for us to punch that ticket to heaven. We have the word of God, we have the body of Christ and we have the living Holy Ghost guiding us every step of the way.

Everything is worship. Am I a true worshipper of God? Do I worship for rewards on this earth or of Heaven?