LEARNING DAILY

2 Chronicles 9:5-6, And she said to the king, "The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard.

I have written several times about the importance walking the narrow way as Christ directs because it is never known when people are watching. People want to know if the talk is real by the walk Believers walk. I watch people to see if what they do in church is the same when they are outside of the church (not that I get to see too many people). I often wonder if those who clap and shout “Amen” in the church service are the same at work, at play, at home. Do they praise God at church but do not control their tongue at home? I only wonder because I know how my temper can flare up, I know I need to be different.

 Pastor Lonnie Keene spoke at NorthRock Church this weekend and talked about the Queen of Sheba going to see Solomon because she had heard of his great wisdom and wealth; she went to test him with hard questions and see for herself his wealth. 2 Chronicles 9: 3-4, “And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.” What she observed was the “attitude of the people” (Audrey’s notes). “People are always watching; they want to see for themselves if the attitudes of Believers are real.” (Pastor Keene). “The attitude and the presentation [one’s walk] of Believer’s matter all the time. Believers need to represent Jesus” (Audrey’s notes). In yesterday’s blog, Ed Newton talked about being sealed by the Holy Spirit; the Believer was meant to worship and made to be a witness for His glory. People want to be seen and be sure that the Believer’s walk is consistent with what they profess! Solomon answered all her questions, and she observed all the things in the house of Solomon. Pastor Keene said, “She saw all the people were happy, and it took her breath away.”

The Queen of Sheba observed the people’s attendance, their attire, and the food of Solomon’s table (Audrey’s notes). She paid attention to the details. Speaking from a pastor’s point of view, Pastor Keene stated people know who attend church. She noticed the people’s attire, what they were wearing. People see those who are walking with God, walking in His Armor, those who have put on the garment of praise, and those prepared to do ministry. He also mentioned that its not so much the outward apparel being worn as it is the inward man who has been renewed that people notice today. She also noticed the food at Solomon’s table. Pastor Keene likened this to the Word of God that people are to consume today. “America is not short on words. But the food Believers should be getting from the Pastor’s table is critical. Being fed by the pastor should be about the Word of God dealing with the issues of life. There are pastors I do not enjoy listening to but there is always something I can take away from what they say. Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  It deals with the details of the Believer’s life.

I want my Church to be a Church that is welcoming and friendly. I want it to be an atmosphere where true worship happens, faith is great, and where miracles occur, one that “takes the breath away” of those who see it. I want my life to reflect that as well!