Rejoining The Chorale.

“Rejoin” is one of those wonderful words in the English language that has multiple meanings. It can mean to come back to something that had been left behind. Or, it can mean to reply to a reply (that is, to counterreply) or to retort.

In the second service, in the secondary sense of the word, rejoining was in play. The Chorale sang “That Name”, then our pastor counterreplied with examples of choir conduct in relation to ministry. The examples were modern-day illustrations intended to highlight several points concerning the story of Zechariah:
 

Cruel disappointments do not prevent the faithful from serving. Zechariah continued to minister faithfully at his post even though he and his wife bore the stigma of childlessness (Luke 1:7).
 

What seems to be a trial for us might be a preparation for God. Every circumstance is purposeful, even crises that have been sent by the devil in an attempt to subvert our ministry (see Second Corinthians 12:7-10).
 

Our spiritual gifts and talents are not to be set aside. Why has God given us a gift? For use. We are to pursue our purpose, using our gifts, while we allow God to work out His purpose in us.
 

Some prayers are still pending. When prayers are offered, they stand in the presence of God until He responds. In the face of people who present the most stubborn resistance to God's directive, God will answer our prayers for their deliverance.
 

We are called to pursue peace and holiness. Our ministry is ineffective when we live our lives in ways that do not demonstrate holy living and the pursuit of peacefulness with our fellow Christians.
 

Pastor Sam, at the start and end of his sermon, encouraged us to ask God a question: “Lord, what will You have me to do?” If we ask with sincerity and obedience of heart, He will answer. God will help us to walk upright, obey Him, say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and say yes to living righteously.
 

Oh Lord God, be glorified in us. Help us so that we will not be tempted to think you have not heard our prayers. Give us patience and holy love as we await Your answer. Give us grace to be faithful to You, and to serve in whatever post You call us to hold. Give us encouragement and strength to stand against the devil and to speak life to Your people. Thank You, Lord. You are present. You are active. You are faithful. We love You.